The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 78% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 38.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good 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
38.4
5.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
28%
13.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
5%
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
86%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
8%
Based on 155 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
26% 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, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 68 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 701
- Capacity
- 78%
- FSM
- 38.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Suffolk
- Trust
- CLARION CORVUS TRUST
- Head
- Mr Philip Dougherty (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Previous reports
Location
London Road Pakefield, Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 7AQ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmPakefield Primary School
Primary · Very close
St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Elm Tree Community Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Elm Tree Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Grove Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Phoenix St Peter Academy
Primary · 1.9km away
East Point Academy
Secondary · 2.2km away
Red Oak Primary School
Primary · 2.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Pakefield High School a selective school?
No. Pakefield High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Pakefield High School's Ofsted rating?
Pakefield High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in September 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Pakefield High School?
Pakefield High School currently has 701 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Pakefield High School take?
Pakefield High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Pakefield High School?
Pakefield High School is in Lowestoft, NR33 7AQ, in the Suffolk local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Pakefield High School have a sixth form?
No, Pakefield High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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