Spires Academy Review 2026: A Community Hub with Personalised Ambition

In the suburban village of Sturry on the north eastern edge of Canterbury, Spires Academy serves a diverse community with an emphasis on individual progress and inclusivity. As a non selective secondary school in a county famous for its selective grammar system, Spires occupies a vital role in providing a broad education for students of all abilities. The school environment is characterized by its modern architecture and a commitment to ensuring every student feels visible and supported. While academic results currently sit below England averages, the academy has undergone significant leadership and structural changes under the Orion Education trust (formerly E-ACT) to address performance and culture.

The academy is housed in a purpose built, contemporary campus that feels light and spacious. At morning arrival, the gates reveal the orderly atmosphere, with staff visible to welcome students. The school moved into its current facilities in 2012, and the design reflects a business like approach to education, featuring glass fronted classrooms and open communal areas that promote transparency.

The leadership team is led by Headteacher Ms Anna Burden, who has served in the post since June 2022. Under her guidance, the school has focused heavily on raising expectations for behavior and fostering a culture of mutual respect. Students belong to one of four colleges, which provides a smaller, "school within a school" feel. This structure helps maintain a sense of belonging in a building designed for 750 students.

In the most recent published data, Spires Academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 35. Performance in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) shows 5.8% of students achieving grades 5 or above in the core pillars of English, mathematics, sciences, a language, and history or geography.

Ranked 3508th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the academy ranks 9th among secondary schools in the Canterbury area. The current Progress 8 score of -1.12 indicates that students, on average, are making progress that is below the expected rate from their starting points. These figures place the school in the national lower percentile band, reflecting the challenges the leadership team is currently addressing through curriculum reform.

The curriculum at Spires is designed to be accessible yet aspirational. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), students study a broad range of subjects including performing arts and technology alongside core academics. Specialist teaching is a priority, and the academy has invested in modern science laboratories and IT suites to support practical learning.

A key focus for the teaching staff is a personalized approach to learning. This is particularly evident in English and humanities lessons, where structured debate is encouraged. For students requiring additional support, the academy operates tailored support plans for every pupil with SEND to help bridge gaps in literacy and numeracy.

As a school without a sixth form (post 16 provision was discontinued in 2016), Spires Academy focuses heavily on transition to further education. The majority of Year 11 leavers progress to The Canterbury Academy, The Archbishop's School, or Herne Bay High School.

The school has a dedicated transition coordinator who works with students from Year 10 onwards to explore vocational and academic routes. While the careers programme is still being fully implemented in some areas, students receive independent advice to help them choose the right college or apprenticeship pathway.

Admissions are coordinated by Kent County Council. Despite being in a selective area, Spires Academy is frequently oversubscribed at the point of entry. In a typical recent intake cycle, there were 245 applications for 117 offers, representing a subscription proportion of 2.09. This indicates that more than two families applied for every available seat.

Priority is given to looked after children, siblings of current students, and those with health or social requirements. The remaining places are allocated based on proximity to the school. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns.

Pastoral care is organized through the college system, with each student assigned a personal tutor who serves as the primary point of contact for families. This system ensures that every student is known well by at least one adult in the building. The academy has a dedicated safeguarding team and works closely with external agencies in Canterbury to support students facing social or emotional challenges.

The school's behavior policy is based on respect and clear expectations. A 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that the school is Good, noting that pupils feel safe because rules make it clear how they should treat one another. If bullying does happen, students report that they trust staff to resolve conflicts effectively.

The extracurricular life at Spires Academy is centered on broadening horizons. The academy offers a variety of clubs including the Debate Club, Creative Writing, and various sports teams. STEM excellence is encouraged through various technology focused clubs where students build and program models, fostering early engineering skills.

The performing arts department is a notable pillar of the school, utilizing the academy’s theatre space for showcases. In sport, students are proud to be members of the sports academy, which offers more intensive training and competition opportunities in several disciplines.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. Spires Academy is located near Sturry railway station, making it accessible for students traveling from further afield, though the majority of students walk from the surrounding residential areas. Breakfast club is available for students to ensure a positive start to the day.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. All core education and curriculum materials are provided free of charge. Families may need to cover costs for school uniform, optional educational trips, and certain extracurricular activities. Financial support for these items, as well as free school meals, is available for eligible families via the Pupil Premium grant.

• Performance trajectory: Current results are below the England average, and the Progress 8 score of -1.12 suggests that significant work is ongoing to raise academic standards. Families should look for the impact of recent leadership changes during school visits.
• Selective context: As a non selective school in Canterbury, the student body represents a wide range of needs. This inclusive environment suits students who may find the high pressure grammar system overwhelming.
• Oversubscription: With over two applications for every place, securing a spot is not guaranteed despite the school's current rankings. Early application is essential.

Spires Academy is a school in transition, offering a modern and inclusive environment within a highly competitive local educational landscape. While academic outcomes have room for improvement, the academy’s personalized support and strong pastoral college system provide a supportive framework for students. Best suited to local families who value a modern community setting and a school that treats students as individuals. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist.