The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 43.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- The school is nearly full at 92% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
43.8
0.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
42%
0.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
21%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.61
Band 5Source: 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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 227 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 19 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
24% 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, 25 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 15 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 78 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,152
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 17.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Suffolk
- Trust
- UNITY SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
- Head
- Mr Tom Johnston (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Chalkstone Way, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 0LD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWestfield Primary Academy
Primary · 455m away
New Cangle Community Primary School
Primary · 911m away
Broadlands Hall
Independent · 1.2km away
Place Farm Primary Academy
Primary · 1.3km away
Coupals Primary Academy
Primary · 1.4km away
Churchill Special Free School
Free school · 1.4km away
Castle Manor Academy
Secondary · 1.4km away
St Felix Roman Catholic Primary School, Haverhill
Primary · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is Samuel Ward Academy a selective school?
No. Samuel Ward Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Samuel Ward Academy's Ofsted rating?
Samuel Ward Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Samuel Ward Academy?
Samuel Ward Academy currently has 1,152 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Samuel Ward Academy take?
Samuel Ward Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Samuel Ward Academy?
Samuel Ward Academy is in Haverhill, CB9 0LD, in the Suffolk local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Samuel Ward Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Samuel Ward Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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