Lodge Park Academy Review 2026: Broadening Horizons in Corby

Sitting on the edge of Corby, Lodge Park Academy is a school defined by its resilience and its connection to the David Ross Education Trust (DRET). While the academic data highlights a challenging journey, the school offers an enrichment programme that rivals many independent institutions. From the Olympic-standard sporting events to the dedicated music initiatives, the focus here is on building character alongside curriculum.

The school serves a diverse catchment in North Northamptonshire, catering for students aged 11 to 18. It is a place of high energy and clear structures, where the "Broadening Horizons" ethos is not just a slogan but a funded reality. Students here have access to opportunities, from choral singing to competitive rowing, that are rare in the state sector. However, families looking strictly at examination league tables will note the gap between the school's enrichment offer and its current academic outcomes, a disparity the leadership is actively working to close.

The campus on Shetland Way is functional and expansive, dominated by the purpose-built sports centre which serves as a hub for both the school and the trust's regional competitions. At drop-off, the atmosphere is purposeful. Uniform standards are strictly enforced, reflecting a drive to raise expectations that has been central to the leadership's strategy since the school joined the trust.

Mrs Sue Jones serves as Executive Principal, overseeing the strategic direction, while daily operations are led by the Principal, Mr Jonathon Kirby. Their leadership has been characterised by a focus on stability and behaviour. The school operates with a clear "Warm/Strict" approach. Corridors are quiet, and movement between lessons is regimented to maximise learning time. This structured environment is designed to provide a safe harbour for students, allowing them to focus on their studies without low-level disruption.

Being part of the David Ross Education Trust is central to the school's identity. This is not a standalone academy but a member of a network that prioritises "world-class" experiences. The House system is competitive and vibrant, feeding into the trust-wide Winter and Summer Cups. These events are colossal in scale, often held at major national venues, giving students a sense of belonging to something much larger than their immediate neighbourhood.

The ethos is built on the belief that talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not. Consequently, the school invests heavily in exposing students to culture, sport, and the arts. It feels like a school that is fighting hard for its students, determined to give them cultural capital regardless of their starting points.

Academic performance at Lodge Park Academy is currently in a rebuilding phase, with outcomes below national averages. The data presents a candid picture of the challenges the school faces and the distance left to travel in its improvement journey.

In 2024, the school's results reflected the ongoing efforts to raise attainment. The average Attainment 8 score was 33.2, compared to the England average of 45.9. This metric measures the average achievement of a pupil across eight qualifications, indicating that grades here are generally lower than the national norm.

The Progress 8 score of -0.63 suggests that, on average, students achieve just over half a grade lower in each subject than students with similar prior attainment nationally. While this figure is tough, it is important to view it in the context of the school's rigorous curriculum overhaul.

Ranked 3616th in England and 5th in Corby for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the "national lower" band, placing it in the bottom 40% of schools in England. However, specific subjects show green shoots of recovery, particularly where staffing has stabilised.

Sixth Form

The Sixth Form is small and inclusive, offering a pathway for students who prefer a familiar environment. In 2024, 0% of grades were A*-A, and 8.5% were A*-B. This is significantly below the England averages of 23.6% for A*-A and 47.2% for A*-B.

Ranked 2556th in England and 5th in Corby for A-level outcomes, the provision is best suited to students needing a supportive, close-knit environment rather than those seeking a high-pressure academic hothouse. The focus here is often on vocational progression and value-added for students who might otherwise not have continued into post-16 education.

The curriculum at Lodge Park is "knowledge-rich", a hallmark of the DRET approach. This means lessons are designed to build long-term memory, with a heavy emphasis on recalling facts and understanding core concepts before moving to complex application. You will see "Do Now" activities at the start of every lesson, ensuring students are ready to learn immediately.

Teaching follows a direct instruction model. Teachers stand at the front, explain concepts clearly, and check for understanding frequently. This traditional approach is chosen specifically to close the vocabulary gap and ensure no student is left behind. Booklets and standardised resources are common, ensuring consistency across different classes, a crucial tactic in mitigating the impact of any staff turnover.

Reading is a massive priority. The "Morning Read" programme sees tutors reading classic literature to students, ensuring everyone accesses high-quality texts regardless of their reading ability. This is part of a wider literacy strategy to ensure students can access the full curriculum.

While some parents might find the approach prescriptive, it provides the clarity and structure that many students need. The science and PE departments are particularly well-resourced, benefiting from the trust's central support and competitive focus.

Despite the challenging headline grades, the school is effective at moving students into employment. The destinations data for 2024 leavers shows a distinctive profile compared to many schools.

45% of leavers progressed to university, a solid figure that demonstrates the Sixth Form's ability to support students into higher education. Even more notable is the employment statistic: 43% of students went directly into employment. This is exceptionally high and suggests strong links with local industry and a pragmatic approach to careers guidance that helps students secure jobs in the local economy.

Apprenticeships accounted for 2% of destinations. The careers team works hard to highlight these pathways, particularly given the strong manufacturing and logistics sectors in the North Northamptonshire area.

Lodge Park Academy is a non-selective state school welcoming students of all abilities. Admissions are coordinated by North Northamptonshire Council.

For Year 7 entry, families apply through the local authority's Common Application Form (CAF). The deadline for applications is 31 October for entry the following September.

In the most recent intake, the school made 87 offers from 91 applications. The subscription proportion of 1.05 and the status of "Oversubscribed" indicate a balanced relationship between supply and demand. Unlike some schools where waiting lists stretch into the hundreds, Lodge Park is generally accessible to its local community, though priority is given to those living closest.

When oversubscribed, places are allocated based on standard criteria: looked-after children, siblings of current students, and then distance from the school. There is no entrance exam.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates, although with current application numbers, most local families who put Lodge Park as their first choice are likely to be successful.

Pastoral care is structured around the House system and year groups. The Heads of Year are non-teaching staff in many cases, meaning they are available throughout the day to deal with issues as they arise, rather than trying to squeeze pastoral support between lessons.

The "Warm/Strict" philosophy means expectations are high. Uniform infractions or lateness are challenged immediately. The logic is that sweating the small stuff prevents bigger issues from developing. For parents who support firm boundaries, this is a significant positive; for those who prefer a more relaxed approach, it can be a point of friction.

Wellbeing support includes access to school counsellors and external agencies. The school is particularly alert to the challenges facing young people in the local area and works closely with families to provide support where needed.

This is where Lodge Park Academy truly shines. The influence of the David Ross Education Trust transforms the extracurricular landscape from a standard state offer into something much more ambitious.

Sport is a pillar of school life. The facilities include a large sports hall, gym, and extensive fields. Students compete in the DRET Winter Cup and Summer Cup, massive events that bring thousands of students from across the trust together to compete. These are not just sports days; they are major logistical operations with opening ceremonies and elite guest speakers. Olympian visits are regular occurrences, designed to inspire ambition.

The "Singing Schools" initiative ensures music is central to the curriculum. The choir performs at high-profile events, and there are opportunities for instrumental tuition that are heavily subsidised or free. The trust's emphasis on performance gives students the chance to stand on stages they might never otherwise encounter.

The "Horizon" programme funds trips and experiences. From Outward Bound residentials to visits to universities and theatres, the calendar is peppered with opportunities to get students out of Corby and seeing the world. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is another strength, offering students the chance to develop leadership and resilience through military-themed activities.

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

While education is free, families should budget for the uniform, which includes specific branded items such as the blazer and tie. The school supports families eligible for Pupil Premium with uniform costs. Music lessons and some residential trips may incur a charge, though the trust often subsidises these to ensure access for all.

The school day begins promptly at 8:35am, with students expected to be on site by 8:30am. The day finishes at 3:10pm, though the extensive enrichment programme means many students stay later for clubs and fixtures.

Located on Shetland Way, the school is well-served by local bus routes connecting the Lodge Park estate to the rest of Corby. There is ample parking for staff and visitors, and a dedicated drop-off zone for parents to ensure safety at the school gates.

Wraparound care is not applicable for secondary students, but the library is often open for homework club after school, providing a quiet space for study.

Academic journey is ongoing. The school is rated Requires Improvement (2022) and results are currently below national averages. Parents need to be aware that the school is in a phase of reconstruction. The leadership is strong and the direction is right, but the data has not yet caught up with the ambition.

Strict behavioural ethos. The "Warm/Strict" approach is non-negotiable. Families must be fully supportive of the uniform and behaviour policies. Students who struggle with authority or strict routine may find the environment challenging.

Sixth Form limitations. With 0% of grades at A*-A in 2024, the Sixth Form is not currently performing at an elite academic level. High-flying students aiming for Russell Group universities or Oxbridge might need to consider whether the current provision provides the necessary academic stretch, although the pastoral support is excellent.

Enrichment vs. Exams. The school offers incredible extracurricular opportunities. Families should balance the value of these "world-class" experiences against the raw exam data. For some students, the confidence gained on the sports field or stage may be just as valuable as a grade.

Lodge Park Academy is a school of contrasts. On one hand, it offers sporting and cultural opportunities that would be the envy of many private schools. On the other, its academic results lag behind national benchmarks. It is best suited to families who value a strict, structured environment and who want their children to have access to broad cultural experiences beyond the classroom. For students who buy into the DRET ethos, it can be a transformative place, but the academic hill to climb remains steep.