The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 80% capacity. Rated Inadequate by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 37.6 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Inadequate by Ofsted in 2024
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
37.6
6.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
17%
25.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
0%
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
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
72%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
9%
Employment
Directly into work
14%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 57 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 19 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
29% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 27 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 240
- Capacity
- 80%
- FSM
- 22.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Staffordshire
- Trust
- PENK VALLEY ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Annabel Stoddart (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksMonitoring visit
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Rodbaston Drive, Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5PH
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is The Rural Enterprise Academy a selective school?
No. The Rural Enterprise Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Rural Enterprise Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Rural Enterprise Academy was rated Inadequate at its most recent inspection in July 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Rural Enterprise Academy?
The Rural Enterprise Academy currently has 240 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Rural Enterprise Academy take?
The Rural Enterprise Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Rural Enterprise Academy?
The Rural Enterprise Academy is in Penkridge, ST19 5PH, in the Staffordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Rural Enterprise Academy have a sixth form?
No, The Rural Enterprise Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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