The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2012).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2012
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.3
2.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
33%
8.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
0%
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
86%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
71%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
9%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 112 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
31% 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, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 39 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 545
- Capacity
- 66%
- FSM
- 44%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Kent
- Trust
- THE KEMNAL ACADEMIES TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Hannah Carter (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
St Mary's Road, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7TE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSupaJam Education In Music and Media
Special school · Very close
St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Primary · Very close
St Bartholomew's Catholic Primary School, Swanley
Primary · 414m away
Horizon Primary Academy
Primary · 553m away
High Firs Primary School
Primary · 608m away
Downsview Community Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
The Annex School House
Independent · 1.2km away
Hextable School
Secondary · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Orchards Academy a selective school?
No. Orchards Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Orchards Academy's Ofsted rating?
Orchards Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Orchards Academy?
Orchards Academy currently has 545 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Orchards Academy take?
Orchards Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Orchards Academy?
Orchards Academy is in Swanley, BR8 7TE, in the Kent local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Orchards Academy have a sixth form?
No, Orchards Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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