The short version
Below-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 38.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
38.1
5.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
30%
12.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
33%
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
84%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
79%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
12%
Based on 264 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 20 days per year on average — over a month of school.
25% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 111 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,299
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 47%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Tameside
- Trust
- GREAT ACADEMIES EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr Matthew Little (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
14 official reports linked on this page, including 13 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
November 2024 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Requires Improvement
March 2023 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2019 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2019 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
September 2018 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
January 2018 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2017 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
February 2017 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
February 2015 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
March 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
June 2011 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2010 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Broadoak Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 8RF
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSamuel Laycock School
Academy · Very close
St Christopher's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 439m away
Oasis Academy Broadoak
Primary · 606m away
St Damian's RC Science College
Secondary · 612m away
Hurst Knoll St James' Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Rosehill Methodist Primary Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
Inspire Academy
Primary · 1.3km away
Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Primary School, Ashton-under-Lyne
Primary · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Great Academy Ashton a selective school?
No. Great Academy Ashton is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Great Academy Ashton's Ofsted rating?
Great Academy Ashton was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in March 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Great Academy Ashton?
Great Academy Ashton currently has 1,299 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Great Academy Ashton take?
Great Academy Ashton caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Great Academy Ashton?
Great Academy Ashton is in Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8RF, in the Tameside local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Great Academy Ashton have a sixth form?
No, Great Academy Ashton does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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