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: 43.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- The school is nearly full at 94% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
43.1
0.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
39%
2.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
35%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.93
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
83%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
78%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
13%
Based on 207 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 19 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, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 141 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,451
- Capacity
- 94%
- FSM
- 38.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- St. Helens
- Trust
- THE CHALLENGE ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Paul Willerton (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
12 official reports linked on this page, including 11 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
December 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
March 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
November 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2019 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2018 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
February 2017 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
January 2015 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
March 2013 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2012 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Elton Head Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 5AU
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmEaves Primary School
Primary · 745m away
Sherdley Primary School
Primary · 817m away
St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Theresa's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Ash Meadow School
Independent · 1.2km away
Sutton Manor Community Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Robins Lane Community Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
St Anne's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Sutton Academy a selective school?
No. The Sutton Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Sutton Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Sutton Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Sutton Academy?
The Sutton Academy currently has 1,451 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Sutton Academy take?
The Sutton Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Sutton Academy?
The Sutton Academy is in St Helens, WA9 5AU, in the St. Helens local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Sutton Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, The Sutton Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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