The de Ferrers Academy: Technology-Rich Learning in Burton

The de Ferrers Academy is not merely a school; it is a significant educational ecosystem in Burton-on-Trent. With over 2,500 students and three distinct campuses, it operates on a scale that rivals some universities. As an Apple Distinguished School, it has built a reputation for integrating technology into every facet of learning, ensuring that every student from Year 7 upwards is equipped with an iPad. This is a school that values scale and systems, driven by the motto: Work hard, Be kind, Choose wisely.

The sheer size of The de Ferrers Academy dictates its character. Rather than a single overwhelming mass, the school manages its population through a cleverly structured split-site model.

Students begin their journey at the Dove Campus, dedicated exclusively to Years 7 and 8. This acts as a 'middle school' style buffer, allowing younger children to settle into secondary education in a smaller, more nurturing environment before graduating to the larger Trent Campus for Years 9, 10, and 11. The Sixth Form Centre occupies its own dedicated historic site in the town centre. This physical separation prevents the youngest students from feeling lost in the crowd, a common anxiety for families considering such a large institution.

Walking through the Dove Campus, the atmosphere is distinct from the Trent site. It feels energetic but contained. In contrast, the Trent Campus has the bustling, mature feel of a college, where older students move with greater independence.

The pervasive presence of technology defines the atmosphere. This is not a school where phones are locked away and screens are feared; instead, the iPad 1:1 programme means digital devices are the primary tool of the trade. Lessons are designed around digital workflow, from submitting homework to collaborative projects. Mrs Alison Bickle, appointed Principal in 2022, oversees this complex operation with a focus on consistency across the sites, ensuring that the 'de Ferrers way' translates whether a student is in Year 7 or Year 13.

In 2024, the academy delivered solid outcomes that reflect its comprehensive intake. GCSE results show the school is performing effectively against national benchmarks. The Progress 8 score of +0.05 indicates that students make progress slightly above the England average from their starting points.

Ranked 2032nd in England and 4th in Burton-on-Trent for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the national typical band. This reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The average Attainment 8 score of 45.4 aligns closely with the England average of 45.9, suggesting that students here leave with qualifications that open standard pathways to further study.

At A-level, the performance is notably stronger. Ranked 1136th in England and 2nd in Burton-on-Trent for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the Sixth Form is a serious academic contender locally. In 2024, 49.6% of grades were A*-B, slightly above the England average of 47.2%.

The curriculum is broad, as one would expect from a school of this size. The iPad programme is the central pillar of the teaching and learning strategy. Teachers are adept at using classroom management apps to monitor progress in real-time, and students are expected to manage their own learning resources digitally. This approach fosters a high degree of digital literacy, a skill the school argues is essential for the modern workplace.

However, technology is not a panacea. The school balances screen time with traditional instruction. In subjects like Art and Design Technology, the facilities are extensive, allowing for practical work that goes beyond the digital. The split-site nature allows for specialised facilities at each stage; the Dove Campus science labs are designed specifically for Key Stage 3 experimentation, while Trent Campus houses workshops suited to GCSE specifications.

The Sixth Form is the natural destination for many, but the academy also prepares students for diverse futures. In 2024, 67% of leavers progressed to university, a healthy figure for a comprehensive sixth form. The academic ambition at the top end is evidenced by the elite university pipeline, with one student securing a place at Cambridge in 2024.

For those not pursuing university, the school supports alternative pathways. 4% of leavers moved into apprenticeships, and 17% entered employment. The careers advice program leverages the school's size to bring in a wide range of local employers and alumni, giving students visibility of options in engineering, healthcare, and digital industries prominent in the Midlands.

Entry to The de Ferrers Academy is competitive. Admissions are coordinated by Staffordshire County Council, and families must apply by the national deadline of 31 October for Year 7 entry the following September.

Demand is high. In the most recent intake, there were 507 applications for 401 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.26 applications per place. The school is oversubscribed, meaning that simply living in Burton does not guarantee a spot. Places are allocated based on criteria including looked-after children, siblings, and then straight-line distance from the home address to the nodal point of the relevant campus.

Families should check the specific catchment map carefully, as the split-site nature can sometimes cause confusion regarding which campus is the 'measure point' for distance, though typically the main admission point is treated centrally.

With over 2,500 students, the risk of anonymity is real. The academy counters this with a robust pastoral structure. Students are organised into Houses, providing a smaller community within the massive whole. The House system is used for competitions, assemblies, and charity work, generating a sense of belonging that cuts across the year groups.

The Dove Campus plays a crucial role in wellbeing. By keeping Year 7 and 8 separate, the school protects younger students from the rough and tumble of the full secondary population. Pastoral leaders are site-specific, meaning the team at Dove specialises in transition and early adolescent issues, while staff at Trent focus on exam stress and older teenage guidance.

The scale of the academy allows for an extracurricular menu that smaller schools cannot match. Sport is a major pillar, with the expansive playing fields at the Trent site hosting fixtures in football, rugby, and netball. The gym facilities are well-equipped, and inter-house sports competitions are fiercely contested.

Music and performing arts also benefit from the large cohort. The school runs multiple choirs, bands, and a tech-heavy music production club that utilises the iPad suite. The annual school production is a large-scale event, often held in the town to accommodate the audience.

STEM activities are particularly strong. The LEGO Robotics club and coding societies are popular, feeding into the school's technological ethos. Trips are frequent, ranging from local geography fieldwork in Derbyshire to ski trips and history tours to Berlin.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. However, the school operates a 1:1 iPad scheme which is central to learning. Families are asked to make a contribution, typically around £1.38 per week, to cover the device, apps, and insurance. The school utilises Pupil Premium funding to ensure students eligible for Free School Meals are not disadvantaged and receive their device without cost.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Parents should verify exact times for each campus as staggered starts are sometimes used to manage traffic.

Transport is a key consideration. The split sites mean that parents with children in different year groups may have drop-offs at Dove (Stretton) and Trent (Horninglow), which are a short drive apart but can be congested during rush hour. The Sixth Form Centre is near the train station, offering easy access for older students travelling from further afield.

Scale and size. This is a very large institution. While the split sites mitigate this, it still requires students to be reasonably robust and adaptable. Those who struggle in large, busy environments might find the sheer number of peers overwhelming.

Digital dependency. The 1:1 iPad model is fundamental. Families who prefer a low-tech education or are concerned about screen time management will need to buy into the school's philosophy that digital skills are paramount.

Split-site logistics. Having children at different campuses can complicate the school run. The transition from Year 8 (Dove) to Year 9 (Trent) is effectively a second 'starting school' moment, which can unsettle some students just as they feel established.

The de Ferrers Academy offers a modern, forward-looking education on a grand scale. It is a system that works efficiently, delivering solid results and excellent digital fluency. Best suited to adaptable students who will thrive on the energy of a large campus and embrace the technology-first approach. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular local heavyweight.