The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 33.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
33.7
10.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
15%
26.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
15%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.17
Band 3Source: 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
85%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
78%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
8%
Based on 183 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
28% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 14 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 8 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 114 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 915
- Capacity
- 53%
- FSM
- 51.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Kent
- Trust
- TURNER SCHOOLS
- Head
- Mr Matthew Tate
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Academy Lane, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5FP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFolkestone Primary
Primary · Very close
The Beacon Folkestone
Special school · 450m away
Mundella Primary School
Primary · 951m away
Compass Community School Coastal Park
Independent · 998m away
The Harvey Grammar School
Secondary · 1.0km away
Christ Church Cep Academy, Folkestone
Primary · 1.2km away
Morehall Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Morehall Primary School and Nursery
Primary · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Folkestone Academy a selective school?
No. Folkestone Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Folkestone Academy's Ofsted rating?
Folkestone Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in April 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Folkestone Academy?
Folkestone Academy currently has 915 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Folkestone Academy take?
Folkestone Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Folkestone Academy?
Folkestone Academy is in Folkestone, CT19 5FP, in the Kent local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Folkestone Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Folkestone Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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