Holyrood Academy: Workforce Ready in the Heart of Chard

Sitting on the edge of the historic market town of Chard, Holyrood Academy serves as the educational anchor for a wide rural catchment in South Somerset. As part of the Blackdown Education Partnership, the school has undergone significant modernisation in recent years, balancing its role as a local comprehensive with a clear drive to raise aspirations.

With around 1,300 students, this is a large, busy campus that reflects the diverse community it serves. It is not an exam factory designed solely for university entrants; instead, the published figures suggest a school that excels at preparing young people for the working world. While university progression is lower than the England average, the proportion of students moving into apprenticeships and employment is striking. For families in Chard and the surrounding villages, Holyrood offers a grounded, community-focused education where the motto "Work Hard, Be Kind, Join In" is more than just a tagline on the wall.

The campus on Zembard Lane is a mix of eras, from 1970s blocks to modern purpose-built additions, reflecting the school's expansion over decades. At drop-off, the atmosphere is purposeful. Students arrive from a wide radius, many via the fleet of buses that serve the rural hinterland.

Mr Dave MacCormick, appointed Headteacher in 2019, leads with a visible presence and a clear ethos. Since taking the helm, his focus has been on raising standards of behaviour and engagement. The school motto permeates the daily routine and is referenced in assemblies, corridor conversations, and behaviour management. This is not a silent or cloistered environment; it is energetic and vocal, reflecting a student body that feels comfortable in its space.

The transition to the Blackdown Education Partnership (formerly Uffculme Academy Trust) has brought structural rigor. There is a sense of a school looking outwards, benchmarking itself against high-performing partners in Devon and Somerset rather than just serving the immediate locality.

In 2024, Holyrood Academy’s results reflect its inclusive intake and comprehensive character. The school ranks 2,381st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st among secondary schools in Chard, placing it in the top tier locally.

The Attainment 8 score of 44.8 sits just below the England average of 46.3, reflecting solid performance across the core curriculum. This places the school in the "national typical" band, suggesting outcomes are broadly in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The Progress 8 score of -0.16 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with expectations, though slightly below the national average from their primary school starting points.

At A-level, the picture is mixed. Ranked 1,706th in England and 1st in Chard for A-level outcomes, the Sixth Form generally outperforms the local tertiary college alternatives but trails behind selective providers. In 2024, 43.3% of grades were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%.

The curriculum is designed to be broad rather than purely academic. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) covers the full National Curriculum, ensuring students have access to arts, technology, and humanities before narrowing their choices.

Teaching quality is generally good, with particular strengths in vocational subjects and sport. In core subjects like English and Mathematics, the school uses setting to manage the wide ability range, ensuring that the most able are stretched while those needing support receive it.

The school has invested in its technology provision, and students are increasingly expected to use digital tools for homework and research. However, the traditional values of bookwork and handwriting remain central. The "Work Hard" aspect of the school motto is evident in lessons; there is a clear expectation of focus, and low-level disruption is managed through a centralised behaviour system.

This is perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Holyrood Academy. While many schools measure success solely by university entrants, Holyrood serves a different and highly effective function for the local economy.

In 2024, 26% of leavers progressed to university. While this is lower than the national average, it is balanced by exceptional workforce entry figures. A remarkable 18% of students secured apprenticeships, far exceeding the national norm, and 36% went directly into employment.

This data paints a clear picture: Holyrood is a powerhouse for vocational readiness. Students leave here ready to work, often securing positions with major local engineering, manufacturing, and agricultural employers. For those who do aim for university, the pathway exists, but the school’s engine room is clearly driving technical and professional skills.

Admission to Holyrood Academy is coordinated by Somerset Council. As the main secondary provider for Chard, the school is the natural choice for most local families.

Demand is healthy. In the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 220 applications for 203 offers (Year 7 entry route). This equates to a subscription ratio of 1.08 applications per place.

While the school accepts students from outside its catchment when space permits, families living in the immediate Chard area and named feeder villages are prioritised. The oversubscription status means that late applications are risky; families moving into the area mid-year should contact the admissions team immediately to check capacity.

Pastoral care is organised through a Year Group system rather than vertical houses. Each year group is led by a Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Support Worker. This structure ensures that staff are experts in the specific challenges of that age group, whether it be the transition in Year 7 or the exam pressures of Year 11.

The "Be Kind" element of the school ethos is actively policed. Bullying is taken seriously, and students report that staff intervene quickly when issues are raised. The school has a dedicated Student Support Centre for those facing emotional or social difficulties, providing a sanctuary away from the bustle of the main school.

Extracurricular life at Holyrood is robust, particularly in sport and outdoor education. The "Join In" motto encourages participation, and the uptake is high.

Sport

The sports facilities are a significant asset. The on-site artificial turf pitch and sports hall are used extensively. Rugby and football teams compete locally with success, and the school has a strong reputation for producing competitive netball squads.

The Arts

The Creative Arts faculty is vibrant. School productions are a calendar highlight, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles. Music tuition is available for a range of instruments, and the school choir performs at local community events, strengthening the link between town and gown.

Outdoor Education

Reflecting its Somerset location, the school has a thriving Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. The annual Ten Tors challenge is a major event; training begins months in advance, with teams seen yomping across the Blackdown Hills in preparation. This tradition builds resilience and teamwork in a way classroom learning cannot replicate.

As a state-funded academy, there are no tuition fees for students attending Holyrood Academy. Education is free at the point of entry for all pupils in Years 7 to 13.

However, families should be aware of potential ancillary costs. These may include uniform, optional trips, and specific equipment for technology or art subjects. The school operates a Discretionary Bursary Scheme for Sixth Form students (16-19), designed to help eligible students with costs such as transport, course materials, and meals. Eligibility is typically based on household income or specific vulnerability criteria.

Holyrood Sixth Form offers a small, familiar environment compared to the large tertiary colleges in Taunton or Yeovil. It offers a blend of A-levels and BTEC qualifications.

Class sizes in the Sixth Form are typically smaller than average, allowing for personalised support. The Sixth Form Centre provides a dedicated study space, bridging the gap between school and adult life. While academic outcomes at the very top end (A*) are modest (2.2% in 2024), the value-added for students pursuing vocational BTECs is often strong.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. A significant proportion of students travel by bus; the transport network is managed by Somerset Council, and families eligible for transport support should apply early.

Lunch is provided in the canteen using a cashless catering system. The food offer has been revamped recently to provide healthier options, though the queue can be long; many students opt to bring packed lunches.

Vocational Focus: Families seeking a "hothouse" academic environment focused purely on Oxbridge entry may find the culture here different. The school celebrates apprenticeships as loudly as degrees.

Rural Transport: For families outside walking distance, reliance on the school bus network is a reality. This can limit participation in after-school clubs unless parents can provide private transport.

Sixth Form Size: The Sixth Form is smaller than regional colleges. This ensures good pastoral care but may mean a narrower range of subject combinations is available compared to a large provider like Richard Huish or Bridgwater & Taunton College.

Holyrood Academy is a solid, community-anchored comprehensive that understands its students well. It does not pretend to be a grammar school; instead, it focuses on producing employable, well-rounded young people. Best suited to families who value a grounded education with excellent pathways into the regional workforce and apprenticeships. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7 given the rising local demand.