The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 35.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
35.8
8.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
13%
28.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
27%
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
83%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
75%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
14%
Based on 110 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 19 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
29% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 53 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 574
- Capacity
- 73%
- FSM
- 42.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Tameside
- Trust
- GREAT ACADEMIES EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Ruth Craven (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
11 official reports linked on this page, including 10 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2021 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
November 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
February 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2019 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
April 2019 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
October 2018 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2017 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2016 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2013 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, Cheshire, SK15 3RR
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Paul's CofE Primary School, Stalybridge
Primary · 509m away
St. Peter's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 1.3km away
St Raphael's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Millbrook Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Works 4 U Support Services (Norman Mackie & Associates Ltd)
Special school · 1.5km away
Stalyhill Junior School
Primary · 1.5km away
Gorse Hall Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 1.6km away
Silver Springs Primary Academy
Primary · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is Copley Academy a selective school?
No. Copley Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Copley Academy's Ofsted rating?
Copley Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Copley Academy?
Copley Academy currently has 574 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Copley Academy take?
Copley Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Copley Academy?
Copley Academy is in Stalybridge, SK15 3RR, in the Tameside local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Copley Academy have a sixth form?
No, Copley Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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