Unsworth Academy Review 2026: A Community School on an Upward Trajectory

Unsworth Academy occupies a modern, purpose-built site in Bury, serving a diverse community of learners aged 11 to 16. Since joining the Shaw Education Trust in 2017 and moving into its new building in 2020, the school has undergone a significant transformation. Once a school facing challenges under its former name, Castlebrook High, it is now an oversubscribed choice for local families. Academic performance consistently sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a stable and reliable educational environment.

With a capacity for 935 students, the academy manages to maintain a community feel. The current leadership, headed by Mr Martin Stewart, focuses on a culture of relentless ambition. The physical environment matches this drive, featuring glass-walled learning spaces and specialist facilities that feel more like a contemporary college than a traditional secondary school.

The atmosphere at Unsworth Academy is defined by a sense of calm purpose. The 2020 building project replaced the ageing infrastructure with a bright, airy environment designed to promote professional behaviour. The school motto, Sursum ad Summum (Rise to the Highest), is visible throughout the corridors, serving as a constant reminder of the academy's goals.

Relationships between staff and students appear genuinely positive. This is not a school that relies on rigid, silent corridors; instead, there is a buzz of activity underpinned by clear boundaries. The headteacher often welcomes students at the gate in the morning, a touch that helps students settle and feel known. The latest inspection findings confirm that behaviour is a strength, with students showing a keenness to learn and a pride in their school community.

Leadership is visible and accessible. Mr Stewart and his senior team maintain a high level of engagement with students and parents. This approach has rebuilt trust with the local community, turning the academy into a first-choice school for many families in the BL9 postcode and beyond.

Academic outcomes at Unsworth Academy tell a story of steady progress. In the most recent published data, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46.5. While this is slightly below the England average for all schools, it represents a solid performance for a non-selective community academy.

The Progress 8 score of +0.03 (updated from earlier cycles) indicates that students at Unsworth Academy make progress in line with the England average. Ranked 2021st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the academy ranks 5th among the secondary schools in Bury. This performance places the school comfortably within the national typical band, reflecting a stable educational environment where students are pushed to achieve.

In terms of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 20% of pupils entered the qualification in the measurement period, with 14.4% achieving grade 5 or above. While lower than some selective alternatives, it reflects the school's inclusive approach, allowing students to pursue vocational pathways alongside traditional academic ones.

The curriculum at Unsworth Academy is broad and balanced, designed to cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. In the lower years, students follow a traditional suite of subjects with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. The academy has invested heavily in digital learning, notably providing iPads to students to support a modern, technology-integrated curriculum.

Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge and use a consistent lesson structure. This approach is particularly effective in subjects like Mathematics and History, where building on prior learning is essential. In these areas, students build on their knowledge in a logical way, tackling challenging ideas that help them achieve well in examinations.

The school is well-regarded for its creative and physical education departments. The new building provides specialist studios and industry-standard equipment. Recently, the school self-evaluated as moving toward an outstanding provision, following a four-year action plan that concluded in August 2025.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11-16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical focus. Unsworth Academy does not have its own sixth form, but it has developed strong links with local post-16 providers. In the most recent cohort, 93% of students remained in education or employment.

A significant 48% of leavers progressed to further education colleges, while 36% moved to sixth form colleges such as Holy Cross or Bury College. The academy provides extensive careers advice and guidance, starting early in a student's journey. By Year 11, every student has access to interviews with a careers advisor to plan their next steps, ensuring they are well-prepared for the more independent environment of a large college.

Securing a place at Unsworth Academy has become increasingly competitive. The school is currently oversubscribed, with local authority data showing 388 applications for 199 offers in the most recent intake.

The subscription proportion of 1.95 indicates that for every place available, nearly two families are applying. Admissions are coordinated by Bury Council, and the criteria follow the standard local authority priority list: looked-after children, siblings of current students, and then distance from the school gates.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical intake patterns. With 1.02 first preferences for every offer, naming the school as a first choice is often necessary to secure a place.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the Unsworth experience. The school employs a highly skilled pastoral team, including non-teaching Pastoral Managers, ensuring there are staff available throughout the day to respond to student needs. This structure is effective for managing both emotional wellbeing and minor behavioural issues.

The academy has a dedicated Special Needs Department, with approximately 17% of learners qualifying for SEN support. The school uses the "Assess Plan Do Review" cycle to ensure tailored support for various needs. Safeguarding is described as effective, with staff receiving high-level training to keep students safe. Students report feeling safe and know how to report concerns.

The extracurricular life of the academy is vibrant, with a focus on sport, character, and community.

Sport

Facilities include a state-of-the-art astroturf pitch opened in 2024. The academy is competitive in local leagues and offers a wide range of sports through its enrichment schedule.

Enrichment

The Library is open after school for an Out of Hours Study Club until 4:00pm, providing a quiet space for research and homework.

Character Development

The school vision aims to drive both academic and character progression, with values such as kindness and resilience embedded in daily life. Students take part in programmes like "My Happy Mind" to build lifelong confidence.

The school day begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:05pm. Breakfast club runs from 8:00am to 8:35am in the canteen, providing a social start to the day. The academy is well-served by local transport links.

The school library remains open until 4:00pm Monday to Thursday for independent study. Regarding wraparound care, while a breakfast club and after-school study options are available, formal childcare provision beyond 4:00pm is not published; parents should contact the school office for specific details.

Fees & Financial Aid

Unsworth Academy is a state-funded academy, meaning there are no tuition fees for students. As part of the Shaw Education Trust, the school receives public funding to provide its educational services. Families may be required to cover costs for school uniforms, certain extracurricular trips, and some specialized equipment, though the school provides iPads for learning. Support for those eligible for Pupil Premium is integrated into the school's financial planning to ensure all students can access the full curriculum.

• Oversubscription: With nearly two applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families living beyond the immediate vicinity may find it difficult to secure a place without sibling priority.
• No Sixth Form: The transition at 16 requires a move to a new environment. While the school prepares students well, those preferring an 11-18 environment will need to look at alternatives.
• Performance Stability: While results have improved, the school currently sits in the national typical band. Families seeking "elite" tier rankings may find the academy is still on its journey toward those headline metrics.

Unsworth Academy is a school that has successfully redefined itself through modern facilities and a culture of high expectations. It offers a high-quality learning environment and a level of pastoral care that is highly valued by its community. It is best suited to local families who want a supportive, tech-forward school that balances academic ambition with a strong community feel. The main challenge is securing entry; once through the gates, the education provided is solid and improving.