The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 38.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
38.5
5.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
25%
16.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
21%
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
90%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
81%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
7%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 236 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
29% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% 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 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 75 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
- 820
- Capacity
- 61%
- FSM
- 31.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Calderdale
- Trust
- ABBEY MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Joanne Hackett (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
16 official reports linked on this page, including 15 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
March 2022 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
November 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
June 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
February 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
November 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
February 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2019 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
November 2018 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
March 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
November 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
May 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
January 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
September 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
May 2014 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Stoney Lane, Lightcliffe, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 8TL
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Lightcliffe Academy a selective school?
No. Lightcliffe Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Lightcliffe Academy's Ofsted rating?
Lightcliffe Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in September 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Lightcliffe Academy?
Lightcliffe Academy currently has 820 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Lightcliffe Academy take?
Lightcliffe Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Lightcliffe Academy?
Lightcliffe Academy is in Halifax, HX3 8TL, in the Calderdale local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Lightcliffe Academy have a sixth form?
No, Lightcliffe Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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