Kingswood Secondary Academy

The academy occupies a modern, purpose-built campus that provides specialist facilities for its 1,300 students. Following an ungraded inspection in March 2025, Ofsted confirmed that the school has maintained its standards of "Good" overall effectiveness. Notably, the school was recently rated "Outstanding" for behavior, personal development, and leadership in late 2024. The school’s "RISE" values—Respect, Independence, Service to the Community, and Empathy—are central to daily life and are reinforced through a popular rewards system.

The atmosphere at Kingswood is energetic yet structured. The academy has cultivated an inclusive culture where high expectations for academic and personal growth are clear. The house system plays a vital role in creating a "small school" feel within a large setting, encouraging students to form strong identities and engage in healthy competition.

The Principal, Matthew Gamble, has been praised for his relentless focus on raising aspirations and reducing barriers to success. This leadership has resulted in a calm environment where students move through corridors purposefully and engage positively in their lessons.

Examination performance at Kingswood tells a story of consistent improvement.

• GCSE Performance: In the current 2024-25 / 2025 dataset, the school ranks 3,258th of 3,895 schools in England for GCSE academic outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking). Its Progress 8 score of +0.1 indicates that students make progress slightly above the England average from their primary starting points.
• A-Level Outcomes: The academy ranks 2,217th of 2,549 schools in England for A-level academic outcomes. In the 2025 dataset, A* to B grades account for 20% of entries, so families should look carefully at subject mix, entry requirements, and vocational pathways.

The curriculum has been significantly strengthened, particularly at Key Stage 3, to ensure students encounter a broad range of subjects before choosing their specialisms. Teachers are noted for their effective feedback and regular assessment, which helps students understand their own progress. Reading and oracy (speaking skills) are high priorities, with "reading leaders" and "word warriors" from the sixth form supporting younger pupils.

The school is particularly successful in preparing students for life after secondary education.

• University: 41% of leavers from the 2023/24 cohort progressed to university.
• Employment: A significant 33% entered employment, reflecting the strong vocational focus and local industry links.
• Apprenticeships: 6% of students secured apprenticeships, providing a direct transition into skilled trades and professions.

Admissions are coordinated by North Northamptonshire Council. For September 2027 Year 7 entry, secondary transfer applications open on 10 September 2026, close on 31 October 2026, and offers are issued on 1 March 2027.

• Closing Date: Usually 31 October for Year 7 entry the following September.
• Distance: Priority is given based on proximity to the school gate. Parents are advised to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance compared to the furthest distance at which a place was offered.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Kingswood Secondary Academy does not charge tuition fees. There are no registration or boarding costs associated with the school.

• Associated Costs: Families should budget for standard school uniform, elective trips, and specialized music lessons.
• Support: Financial assistance for uniform or trips may be available via Pupil Premium funding for eligible families.

The extracurricular program is a major pillar of the academy.

STEM

Active clubs in robotics and coding are supported by industry-standard technology.

Sport & Arts

The school offers a rich array of activities, from football and netball to drama and music, utilizing its modern theater and sports halls.

Community

Opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and the Emergency Services Cadets group help students develop leadership and resilience.

The school day typically runs from 8:40 am to 3:10 pm. The academy is well-served by local Corby bus routes, and there is secure bicycle storage on-site. The school uses a cashless catering system for all meal purchases.

• Admissions Pressure: With a high subscription rate, living in the immediate vicinity is often necessary to secure a place.
• Academic vs. Vocational: While A-level academic rankings are lower than the England average, the school’s vocational outcomes and employment rates are exceptional.
• Pace of Change: The school has undergone rapid improvement under new leadership; families should look at recent monitoring reports rather than older full inspections for the most accurate picture.

Kingswood Secondary Academy is an ambitious school on a clear upward trajectory. It combines modern facilities with a focus on personal values and character development. It is best suited to students who will thrive in a structured, high-energy environment and who may benefit from its strong vocational pathways and extensive extracurricular activities.