The short version
Above-average GCSE results. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 50.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
50.4
6.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
55%
13.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
72%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 23 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 123 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,500
- Capacity
- 67%
- FSM
- 22.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Milton Keynes
- Trust
- THE ALLIANCE SCHOOLS TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Emma Anderson
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Barrosa Way, Milton Keynes, MK8 1EP
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Watling Academy a selective school?
No. Watling Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Watling Academy's Ofsted rating?
Watling Academy was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in May 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Watling Academy?
Watling Academy currently has 1,500 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Watling Academy take?
Watling Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Watling Academy?
Watling Academy is in Milton Keynes, MK8 1EP, in the Milton Keynes local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Watling Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Watling Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.