The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 85% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 33.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2024
- 50% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
33.8
10.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
25%
16.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
5%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
86%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
78%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
12%
Based on 178 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 28 days per year on average — over a month of school.
40% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
8% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 81 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,063
- Capacity
- 85%
- FSM
- 49.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Wakefield
- Trust
- CASTLEFORD ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Andy Percival (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Requires Improvement
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection
November 2022 | School Inspection
Monitoring visit
September 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Good
September 2017 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Interim assessment
January 2012 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Location
Crewe Road, Airedale, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 3JU
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Airedale Academy a selective school?
No. Airedale Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Airedale Academy's Ofsted rating?
Airedale Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in January 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Airedale Academy?
Airedale Academy currently has 1,063 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Airedale Academy take?
Airedale Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Airedale Academy?
Airedale Academy is in Castleford, WF10 3JU, in the Wakefield local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Airedale Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Airedale Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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