Eaton Bank Academy Review 2026: A Community High School with Strong Local Roots

Set against the backdrop of the Cheshire countryside in the market town of Congleton, Eaton Bank Academy serves as a cornerstone of the local community. This mixed comprehensive, which joined the Fallibroome Trust (now part of the Halliard Trust) in 2019, caters to students aged 11 to 18, providing a continuous educational journey from Year 7 through to the completion of A-levels. With a capacity for just over 1,000 students, the academy is large enough to offer a diverse range of subjects and facilities while maintaining a scale that allows for a personal, community focused feel.

The academy currently holds a Good rating from Ofsted, following a full inspection in February 2025. This assessment highlights a school that remains ambitious for its students, balancing academic expectations with a supportive environment. For families in Congleton and the surrounding villages, Eaton Bank is often a first choice destination, as evidenced by its oversubscribed status. The academy provides a structured, modern environment where students are encouraged to participate in school life beyond the core curriculum.

The atmosphere at Eaton Bank Academy is one of purposeful calm. Located on Jackson Road, the site feels integrated into the residential fabric of Congleton, providing a safe and accessible environment for local students. The school operates with a clear set of values centered on respect, ambition, and resilience. These principles are not merely slogans; they are woven into the daily routines and the way students interact with staff and their peers.

The current headteacher, Mr. Edward O’Neill, has been in post since 2016, providing steady leadership and a clear vision for the academy's development. Under his tenure, there has been a significant focus on refining the curriculum and ensuring that the school remains a place where students feel a sense of belonging. The academy joined the Fallibroome Trust in 2019, a move that brought collaborative opportunities with other local schools and shared expertise in teaching and learning.

Visitors to the school often notice the respectful conduct of the students. There is a sense of pride in the academy, visible in the smart uniform and the tidy, well maintained corridors. The school is not an anonymous institution; teachers know their students well, and the vertical house system helps to foster links between different year groups, creating a cohesive community where older students often act as role models for the younger ones.

Eaton Bank Academy delivers a solid academic performance that aligns with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). In the most recent published data, the academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46, which is in line with the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.12 indicates that students make progress that is broadly consistent with their starting points, reflecting a stable learning environment where most students reach their expected potential.

Ranked 2,212th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), Eaton Bank ranks 1st among the secondary schools in Congleton, making it a leading choice for families within the immediate town. The percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) was 11.3%, with an EBacc average point score of 3.95.

At A-level, the academy continues to support a broad cohort of students. The sixth form ranks 1,941st in England for A-level outcomes and 1st in Congleton (FindMySchool ranking). In the most recent results, 35.8% of students achieved A* to B grades, and 10.8% of entries were awarded A* or A grades. While these figures sit below the England average for elite academic results, they reflect a sixth form that is inclusive and committed to supporting a wide range of learner abilities and interests.

The curriculum at Eaton Bank is designed to be broad and balanced, ensuring that students have access to a wide variety of pathways as they progress. In the lower years, there is a strong emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science, complemented by a rich offering in the humanities, languages, and the arts. The academy has moved towards a three year Key Stage 3 to allow students more time to explore subjects in depth before choosing their GCSE options.

Teaching is effective, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge and a commitment to high standards. Lessons are well structured, and there is a clear focus on developing students' independent learning skills. The trust connection provides teachers with regular opportunities for professional development, ensuring that classroom practice remains current and evidence based.

In the sixth form, the academy offers a variety of A-level subjects alongside vocational qualifications, catering to different career aspirations. Small class sizes in Year 12 and 13 allow for more personalized attention and rigorous academic debate, which is particularly beneficial for students tackling complex subjects. The academy uses a dedicated sixth form center, providing a bridge between the structured environment of secondary school and the independence of university or the workplace.

STEM: Innovation and Technology

STEM subjects are a significant pillar of the academy's offering, supported by well equipped laboratories and a dedicated technology suite. The science department encourages practical, hands-on learning, with students participating in various national competitions and challenges. In the 2025 Ofsted report, the curriculum's ambition was noted as a strength, particularly in how it prepares students for technical and scientific careers.

The academy has invested in its computing facilities, ensuring that students are proficient in modern digital skills. Clubs such as the Coding Club and various robotics initiatives provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to real-world problems. This focus on STEM is reflected in the destinations of many leavers, who frequently choose to pursue engineering, computer science, and health related degrees at university.

Where Students Go Next

For a medium sized academy, Eaton Bank has a strong track record of supporting students into their next steps. Based on 2024 leavers' data, 52% of students progressed to university. Popular destinations include several Russell Group universities such as the University of Manchester, the University of Liverpool, and the University of Sheffield.

A notable feature of the academy's leaver profile is the high percentage of students moving into apprenticeships. In 2024, 15% of leavers started apprenticeships, reflecting the academy's strong links with local industry and its commitment to providing vocational pathways. Additionally, 22% of students entered direct employment, while 5% moved into further education colleges. The academy’s careers advice service is proactive, starting early in Year 7 to help students understand the breadth of opportunities available to them.

Eaton Bank Academy is an oversubscribed school, reflecting its popularity within the Congleton area. Admissions are coordinated through Cheshire East Council. For the most recent entry cycle, the academy received 314 applications for 209 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.5. This means that for every 10 places available, 15 students applied, making the academy one of the more competitive choices in the local authority.

The deadline for Year 7 applications for 2026 entry was 31 October 2025, with National Offer Day set for 3 March 2026. Priority is given to looked after children, siblings of current students, and those attending designated feeder primary schools such as Buglawton and Mossley. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Fees & Financial Aid

Eaton Bank Academy is a state funded academy and there are no tuition fees for students. As a mainstream academy within the Halliard Trust, funding is provided by the Department for Education.

Families may incur costs for elective school trips, specialist music lessons, or uniform. Financial support is available via the 16-19 Bursary Fund for eligible students in the Sixth Form to help with the costs of travel, books, or equipment. Additionally, students eligible for Pupil Premium funding may receive support for curriculum related costs and extra curricular activities.

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the academy, with a well organized system that ensures every student has a point of contact for support. The house system provides a smaller community within the larger school, and form tutors play a central role in monitoring students' academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

The 2025 inspection confirmed that safeguarding is effective and that students feel happy and safe at school. There is a proactive approach to mental health, with staff trained to recognize early signs of distress and a range of interventions available for those who need extra help. The academy also runs an effective anti bullying strategy, noted by inspectors as being handled well when issues arise.

The extracurricular life of the academy is vibrant and varied. Sport is a major draw, with the school utilizing its multi purpose sports facilities for a range of activities. Competitive teams in football, netball, rugby, and athletics regularly participate in Cheshire fixtures. The academy also offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is highly popular among students in Year 9 and above.

The performing arts are also well represented. The academy stages regular musical and theatrical productions, providing opportunities for students to perform on stage or work behind the scenes. Specific clubs mentioned in recent years include the Jazz Band and various art workshops, ensuring there is something to suit a wide variety of interests. These activities are viewed not as extras but as essential components of the students' personal development.

The school day at Eaton Bank Academy typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. For students in the lower years, the academy provides information on local transport links, as many students walk or cycle from the surrounding Congleton estates. There are also several bus routes that serve the school from the outlying villages.

While the academy does not have an on-site nursery, it maintains strong links with local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition into Year 7. For families requiring information on wraparound care or holiday activities, the school website provides updates on clubs that run before and after the formal school day.

• Oversubscribed Status: With 1.5 applications for every place, entry is competitive. Living within the immediate Congleton area is highly advantageous.
• Sixth Form Performance: While the academy provides a supportive environment, A-level results sit in the national lower band. It serves a very broad range of student abilities rather than focusing solely on elite academic results.
• Trust Influence: As part of the Halliard Trust, the school benefits from shared expertise across the Macclesfield and Congleton area, providing a stable foundation for improvement.

Eaton Bank Academy is a reliable and deeply community oriented school that provides a Good standard of education for the young people of Congleton. It manages to balance academic ambition with a nurturing pastoral system, making it an excellent fit for students who want a supportive environment where they are known as individuals. It is best suited to local families who value a broad, inclusive education and who are looking for a school that offers strong pathways into both university and higher level apprenticeships. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.