The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 78% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 30.6 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement 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
30.6
13.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
14%
28.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
14%
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
85%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
72%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
8%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 178 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 31 days per year on average — over a month of school.
45% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
10% 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 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 105 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
- 1,023
- Capacity
- 78%
- FSM
- 43.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Trust
- HALLIARD TRUST
- Head
- Ms Emma-Jane McLaren (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
July 2024 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
November 2023 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2022 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Good
May 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
January 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
April 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2012 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Grange Lane, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 2BT
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGrange Community Nursery and Primary School
Primary · 346m away
Winsford High Street Community Primary School
Primary · 486m away
Over St John's CofE Primary School
Primary · 636m away
St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 752m away
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 752m away
The Oak View Academy
Primary · 915m away
St. Chad's Church of England Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 1.3km away
Over Hall Community School
Primary · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Winsford Academy a selective school?
No. The Winsford Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Winsford Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Winsford Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in July 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Winsford Academy?
The Winsford Academy currently has 1,023 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Winsford Academy take?
The Winsford Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Winsford Academy?
The Winsford Academy is in Winsford, CW7 2BT, in the Cheshire West and Chester local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Winsford Academy have a sixth form?
No, The Winsford Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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