The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 89% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 36.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- 40% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
36.1
7.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
22%
20.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
10%
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
76%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
8%
Based on 125 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
30% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% 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 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 66 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
- 667
- Capacity
- 89%
- FSM
- 39.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Kent
- Trust
- ORION EDUCATION
- Head
- Mrs Anna Burden (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
May 2017 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
November 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2015 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
September 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
May 2010 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
July 2009 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Bredlands Lane, Sturry, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 0HD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Orion Spires a selective school?
No. Orion Spires is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Orion Spires's Ofsted rating?
Orion Spires was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Orion Spires?
Orion Spires currently has 667 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Orion Spires take?
Orion Spires caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Orion Spires?
Orion Spires is in Canterbury, CT2 0HD, in the Kent local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Orion Spires have a sixth form?
Yes, Orion Spires has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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