The short version
Average GCSE results. 85% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.5
1.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
41%
0.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
40%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.22
Band 4Source: 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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
85%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 151 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
21% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 92 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,025
- Capacity
- 85%
- FSM
- 15.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Swindon
- Trust
- GREAT WESTERN ACADEMY LIMITED
- Head
- Mr David Clarke
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
William Morris Way, Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon, SN25 2PP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWilliam Morris Primary School
Primary · Very close
Churchward School
Free school · 345m away
Abbey Farm Educate Together Primary
Primary · 1.1km away
Uplands School
Special school · 1.1km away
Tadpole Farm CofE Primary Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
Abbey Park School
Secondary · 1.2km away
Red Oaks Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Brimble Hill Special School
Special school · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Great Western Academy a selective school?
No. Great Western Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Great Western Academy's Ofsted rating?
Great Western Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Great Western Academy?
Great Western Academy currently has 1,025 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Great Western Academy take?
Great Western Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Great Western Academy?
Great Western Academy is in Swindon, SN25 2PP, in the Swindon local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Great Western Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Great Western Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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