The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 40.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is at capacity (111% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
40.8
3.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
37%
4.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
70%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.02
Band 3Source: 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
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
81%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
6%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 188 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
24% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 128 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,214
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 19.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Central Bedfordshire
- Trust
- Pinnacle Trust
- Head
- Miss Karen Hayward (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
13 official reports linked on this page, including 12 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Requires Improvement
January 2023 | School Inspection
Short inspection
December 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
July 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
March 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
May 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
March 2011 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2010 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
November 2008 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
October 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
October 2001 | Full Inspection
Location
Engayne Avenue, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 1BL
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Sandy Secondary School a selective school?
No. Sandy Secondary School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Sandy Secondary School's Ofsted rating?
Sandy Secondary School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in June 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Sandy Secondary School?
Sandy Secondary School currently has 1,214 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Sandy Secondary School take?
Sandy Secondary School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Sandy Secondary School?
Sandy Secondary School is in Sandy, SG19 1BL, in the Central Bedfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Sandy Secondary School have a sixth form?
Yes, Sandy Secondary School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.