Corby Business Academy: Purpose-Built Innovation in Northamptonshire

A Foster + Partners designed building rises from the Northamptonshire countryside, its six glazed atria flooding teaching spaces with natural light. Corby Business Academy opened in 2008 as part of the Brooke Weston Trust, bringing architectural ambition and a business-focused curriculum to a town undergoing significant regeneration. The school serves 1,168 students aged 11 to 18, including around 100 in its specialist unit provision for students with complex learning needs.

Rated Good by Ofsted in April 2023, this marked a notable improvement from the previous Requires Improvement judgement. GCSE outcomes sit in line with the middle 35% of schools in England, while the sixth form provides a mixed academic and vocational pathway into university, apprenticeships, and employment.

The building itself makes a statement. Designed by Foster + Partners, the same practice behind the Gherkin and Apple Park, the academy features a simple rectilinear two-storey structure punctuated by six glazed atria. These atriums are subject-focused rather than pastoral, distinguished by bold colour-coded signage and upholstery. The facade contrasts polished black stone at either end with textured silver block work along the building's length.

Inside, fully glazed classroom walls enable natural supervision and create an open, professional atmosphere. Carpeted teaching and circulation areas support a calm study environment. The architectural intent is clear: this is a building designed to prepare young people for the workplace.

The academy operates under the leadership of the Brooke Weston Trust, a family of primary and secondary schools across Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. The trust's origins trace to 1991, when local landowner Hugh de Capell Brooke and Garry Weston of Associated British Foods founded what became Brooke Weston Academy. That entrepreneurial spirit continues here.

The school's values, captured in the phrase "Commit, Believe, Achieve," shape daily expectations. Behaviour has improved markedly under recent leadership. The most recent inspection noted that the school is calm and orderly, with students behaving very well in lessons and during changeover times.

GCSE Results

GCSE outcomes reflect solid, steady performance. The school's Attainment 8 score of 44.8 sits marginally below the England average of 45.9, placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. Corby Business Academy ranks 2,276th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd among secondary schools in Corby.

Progress 8 tells an encouraging story. The score of +0.08 indicates students make slightly above-average progress from their starting points, a figure that has improved consistently over recent years. This suggests effective teaching and support are translating into measurable gains.

Students study a range of high-quality GCSE and vocational subjects. The vast majority of Year 10 students take nine GCSEs or vocational alternatives by Year 11. All students study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, and PE, with options including Computer Science, History, Geography, French, and Spanish.

A-Level and Sixth Form Results

The sixth form offers both GCE A-levels and BTEC qualifications. In 2024, 15.5% of A-level entries achieved grades A* or A, below the England average of 23.6%. At A*-B, 39.9% of grades hit the mark compared to the England average of 47.2%. This places the sixth form in the bottom 40% of providers in England, ranking 1,758th (FindMySchool ranking).

These figures need context. The sixth form operates a genuinely open-access model, welcoming students who might struggle to access A-levels elsewhere. The Level 3 Gateway Course accepts students with minimum grade 3s in English and Maths, allowing them to retake while pursuing other qualifications. For these students, progression matters more than headline grades.

Subject strengths exist within the overall picture. Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Media, and Art all feature in the A-level offering, alongside BTEC Sport and Business qualifications that align with the academy's founding mission.

Teachers have secure subject knowledge and genuine passion for their subjects. Assessment is used well to check understanding, with clear explanations supporting student learning. The curriculum is well planned and sequenced, going beyond the academic to support personal development.

Inspectors noted that teachers present information clearly, though work is not always matched precisely to students' abilities. This remains an area for development, particularly for the most able students who would benefit from more consistent stretch and challenge.

The business and enterprise specialism manifests in practical ways. The curriculum emphasises preparation for the workplace, with employability skills woven through subjects. Work skills form part of the sixth form enrichment programme, ensuring students understand professional expectations.

Specialist facilities enhance subject teaching. The music department operates two dedicated rooms, one equipped with 25 bespoke Mac computers running GarageBand, Logic, and Sibelius, the other with 25 keyboards. Students also access steel drums, samba drums, ukuleles, and a state-of-the-art recording studio.

The sixth form embodies the SMART ethos: Studious, Motivated, Ambitious, Resilient, and Technological. Students take on leadership roles, including mentoring younger pupils and supporting school organisation.

Entry operates through two pathways. The Level 3 Pathway requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. The Level 3 Gateway Course offers a second chance to those with three grade 4s and a grade 3 in English and Maths, who retake these while studying other subjects.

External applicants compete for 25 places in Year 12. When oversubscribed, priority goes to looked-after children, siblings, and then distance. Applications for September 2025 entry opened in November 2024 with a February 2025 deadline.

All sixth form students participate in an enrichment programme covering work skills, active sport, and community leadership. Mr Matt Smith leads the Sixth Form team, providing guidance on university applications, apprenticeships, and employment.

In 2024, 53% of the sixth form cohort progressed to university, with 13% securing places at Russell Group institutions. Notable recent destinations include the University of Nottingham for Mathematics and Durham University for Mathematics, reflecting the school's strength in STEM subjects.

Apprenticeships attract a growing proportion of leavers. In 2024, 31% entered employment directly, with 3% taking up formal apprenticeships. The school's business focus provides strong preparation for work-based routes.

Further education continues for a small number, with 3% progressing to college courses. The school works closely with local providers and employers to ensure every leaver has a planned destination.

Corby Business Academy admits 200 students to Year 7 annually, with applications coordinated through North Northamptonshire Council. The school is oversubscribed, receiving 459 applications for 194 places in recent years, a ratio of 2.37 applications per place.

Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children and those previously in care, followed by children of staff employed for two or more years, and then students living closer to Corby Business Academy than any other school.

Open evenings for Year 7 entry typically run in late September. The September 2025 intake was previewed at an open evening on Thursday 26th September 2024, featuring presentations from the Principal and opportunities to tour the facilities.

Safeguarding is effective. All staff know exactly what to do if they have concerns about a student. The inspection confirmed that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively when it occurs, with students reporting they feel safe.

The Student Senate gives pupils a genuine voice in school life. Inspectors noted that staff listen to student views, and pupils have opportunities to take leadership roles throughout the academy.

Pastoral structures support the diverse student population, including those in the specialist unit provision. A qualified mentor addresses mental, social, and emotional needs, while external agencies including educational psychologists, CAMHS, and the school nurse provide additional support.

Attendance remains a focus for improvement. Leaders monitor attendance closely and deploy various strategies to support families, recognising that some groups need additional intervention.

The Unit Provision caters for approximately 100 students with complex learning needs, including places for Moderate Learning Difficulties with additional needs, Severe Learning Difficulties, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

All unit students hold an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school. The provision operates from a dedicated faculty within the purpose-built building, which includes a hydrotherapy pool and landscaped garden. Claire Robinson serves as Director of the Unit, supported by experienced Learning Support Assistants with expertise in speech and language, literacy, numeracy, and autism.

The curriculum is personalised, with a preparation-for-life ethos. Students access both specialist provision and mainstream facilities, working with staff across subject areas. External specialists including physiotherapists and occupational therapists supplement in-house expertise.

The unit does not cater for students with primarily behavioural difficulties, maintaining focus on those with learning-based needs.

Music

The music department has built a regional reputation. The Senior Concert Band performs on the national stage and undertakes an annual European tour. Both Concert Band and Big Band have won accolades at the National Concert Band Festival. Hundreds of students learn instruments, feeding into the academy's many successful ensembles.

Sport

Sports provision spans KS3 football, netball, rugby, and cricket for both girls and boys, alongside a running club open to all years. A community sports hub project, supported by local donations, will deliver a new on-site gym, 3G football pitch, and upgraded sports hall floor.

The 650-capacity theatre and sports hall are available for community use outside school hours, accessed through a separate southern entrance.

Drama and Performing Arts

The Drama curriculum aims to instil passion for theatre and performance. Recent productions include the annual Winter Showcase and the musical Grease. New facilities for dance and drama enhance the extracurricular programme.

Enrichment Clubs

The enrichment programme includes Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh Award, homework study clubs, Dance Club, Lego Robotics, Electronics, Concert Bands, and Art Study. All teachers offer at least one after-school enrichment session weekly.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The academy is located on Academy Way, off Gretton Road, on the northern edge of Corby. Parking is available on site for school events.

The building's sustainability features include roof-mounted wind catchers for natural ventilation, motion-sensor lighting, and angled ground-floor walls beneath light wells to maximise daylight. The design reduces energy consumption while creating a bright, comfortable learning environment.

Performance trajectory matters more than current position. The move from Requires Improvement to Good represents genuine progress. However, sixth form results remain below the England average. Families should consider whether the open-access pathway suits their child, or whether a more selective post-16 provider might offer a different experience.

The Unit Provision is distinct from mainstream. Approximately 100 of the 1,168 students are in the specialist unit. Mainstream students benefit from an inclusive environment, but families should understand this is a comprehensive school serving a wide range of needs.

Attendance requires attention. Leaders acknowledge that improving attendance for some groups remains a priority. Families should support the school's efforts by ensuring regular attendance.

Leadership has changed. Following a period of transition in 2025, new leadership is in place. This may bring fresh approaches, but stability takes time to embed.

Corby Business Academy offers something distinctive: a purpose-built, architecturally significant school with genuine vocational focus and specialist provision for students with complex needs. The Foster + Partners building is not mere vanity; it creates a professional environment aligned with the business and enterprise ethos.

Results sit in the middle of the pack for GCSEs, below average for A-levels. The Progress 8 score suggests teaching adds value, even if headline figures are modest. For families seeking Russell Group university preparation, other options may be stronger. For those wanting a broad, inclusive education with genuine pathways into work and apprenticeships, this school delivers.

Best suited to Corby families wanting a comprehensive, non-selective secondary with good pastoral support and improving academic performance. The open-access sixth form particularly benefits students who need a second chance with English or Maths, or who prefer vocational alongside academic study. Parents using the FindMySchool Comparison Tool can assess how results compare with nearby alternatives.