The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Inadequate by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 34.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Inadequate 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
34.0
9.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
22%
19.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
43%
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
86%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
84%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 282 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
29% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% 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 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 100 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
- 947
- Capacity
- 63%
- FSM
- 49.6%
Governance
- Local authority
- Oldham
- Trust
- SOUTH PENNINE ACADEMIES
- Head
- Mrs Tracy Foy (Principal)
Provisions
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Huddersfield Road, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL4 3NY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmCounthill School
Secondary · 832m away
Hey-with-Zion Primary School
Primary · 917m away
St Edwards Roman Catholic Primary, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 964m away
Littlemoor Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Knowsley Junior School
Primary · 1.2km away
Springhead Infant and Nursery School
Primary · 1.3km away
Greenacres Primary Academy
Primary · 1.3km away
Hodge Clough Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
What is Waterhead Academy's Ofsted rating?
Waterhead Academy was rated Inadequate at its most recent inspection in January 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Waterhead Academy?
Waterhead Academy currently has 947 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Waterhead Academy take?
Waterhead Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Waterhead Academy?
Waterhead Academy is in Oldham, OL4 3NY, in the Oldham local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
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