The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 44.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
44.3
0.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
45%
3.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
15%
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
82%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 132 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 79 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 888
- Capacity
- 72%
- FSM
- 30.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Swindon
- Trust
- THE DORCAN ACADEMY
- Head
- Mrs Sherryl Bareham (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
November 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2018 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
December 2017 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
May 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
St Paul's Drive, Covingham, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 5DA
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is The Dorcan Academy a selective school?
No. The Dorcan Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Dorcan Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Dorcan Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in July 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Dorcan Academy?
The Dorcan Academy currently has 888 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Dorcan Academy take?
The Dorcan Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Dorcan Academy?
The Dorcan Academy is in Swindon, SN3 5DA, in the Swindon local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Dorcan Academy have a sixth form?
No, The Dorcan Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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