The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 40.4 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
40.4
3.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
33%
9.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
19%
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
80%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
76%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
15%
Based on 169 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
28% 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, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 90 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
- 1,014
- Capacity
- 97%
- FSM
- 49.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Dudley
- Trust
- DUDLEY ACADEMIES TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Emma Edwards-Morgan
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Simms Lane, Netherton, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 0PB
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is The Link Academy a selective school?
No. The Link Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Link Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Link Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Link Academy?
The Link Academy currently has 1,014 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Link Academy take?
The Link Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Link Academy?
The Link Academy is in Dudley, DY2 0PB, in the Dudley local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Link Academy have a sixth form?
No, The Link Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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