Grace Academy Coventry: A Turnaround Story in the Heart of Coventry

After years of improvement work, Grace Academy Coventry has emerged as a Good school with Outstanding personal development, a transformation that culminated in its January 2024 Ofsted inspection. Serving approximately 1,000 students aged 11 to 18 in the Ball Hill area, this state secondary with sixth form combines a values-driven ethos with genuine employer partnerships and a focus on student wellbeing. The academy's Progress 8 score of +0.31 significantly exceeds both Coventry and England averages, indicating students here make better than expected progress from their starting points. With 1.73 applications for every Year 7 place, the school has become a popular choice for families seeking a supportive, community-focused secondary education.

Grace Academy occupies a purpose-built campus on Wigston Road that opened in February 2010, replacing the original buildings of Woodway Park School, which had served the community since 1968. The academy conversion in 2008 marked a new chapter, and following the closure of the Grace Trust in 2019, the school joined the Tove Learning Trust, bringing additional expertise and support to its improvement journey.

Executive Principal Natasha Whiles has led the academy since June 2021, working alongside Associate Principal Emily Wheller. Their leadership has successfully embedded a culture built around five core values: Limitless Potential, Intentional Excellence, Mutual Respect, Genuine Integrity, and Amazing Grace. These values are not mere slogans displayed on corridors. They inform behaviour expectations, pastoral structures, and the daily rhythm of school life, collectively known as The Grace Way.

The school describes itself as a community that puts its arm around students and families, supporting them through challenges while maintaining high expectations. This combination of care and challenge appears to resonate with the local community. Students benefit from dedicated spaces including the Ethos area, which serves as a relaxation and community zone, alongside well-equipped drama studios and nurture spaces for those requiring additional support.

The improvement trajectory is significant. From an Inadequate rating in 2018, through Requires Improvement in 2019, to the current Good judgement with Outstanding personal development, the academy has demonstrated sustained progress. This is the first Good rating the school has received since 2010, representing a genuine turnaround in educational provision.

GCSE Results

Grace Academy Coventry sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking: 2,565th in England, 17th in Coventry). The Attainment 8 score of 44.2 reflects solid overall achievement. More telling is the Progress 8 score of +0.31, which places the school well above both the Coventry average of -0.05 and the England average of -0.03. Students here make notably better progress than might be expected given their starting points.

In terms of core subjects, 61% of students achieved Grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics, with 38% reaching Grade 5 or above. The EBacc average point score of 3.75 sits slightly below the England average of 4.08, reflecting the school's inclusive intake and the varied pathways offered to students.

The inspection noted a purposeful atmosphere throughout the school, with students working hard and demonstrating genuine engagement with their learning. Teachers have successfully raised expectations around both learning and behaviour, developing a curriculum that inspectors described as highly ambitious and well-sequenced.

A-Level and Sixth Form Results

The sixth form ranks 1,937th in England for A-level outcomes, placing it below England average (in the bottom 40% of sixth forms). At A-level in 2024, 35.3% of grades were A*-B, with 11.8% at A*/A. These figures sit below England averages of 47.2% A*-B and 23.6% A*/A. The cohort is relatively small, with 17 students in the most recent leavers group, which can create variability in headline statistics.

The sixth form received a Good rating from Ofsted, with inspectors recognising the quality of support and guidance students receive. The intimate cohort size means staff can provide highly personalised attention, and the continuity of teaching from students who have been at Grace Academy since Year 7 creates strong relationships that support learning.

The curriculum spans a broad range of subjects, with departments covering Art, Business, Computing, Drama and Performing Arts, English, Geography, Health and Social Care, History, Law, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, Religious Studies, Science, Sociology, and Technology including Food. This breadth ensures students can pursue both academic and vocational pathways.

At Key Stage 4, students choose from a comprehensive options menu, while post-16 provision includes both A-levels and BTECs. The sixth form team provides one-to-one guidance during the options process, with individual appointments to discuss appropriate course combinations. Teaching staff are described as well-qualified, enthusiastic about their subjects, and committed to delivering high-quality lessons.

The Ofsted inspection confirmed that teachers have strong subject knowledge and that the curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced. Students can focus on their learning without disruption, and the atmosphere throughout the school is purposeful. The school uses Oak National Academy resources to support learning, demonstrating engagement with high-quality curriculum materials.

The most recent destination data shows 53% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with 24% entering employment. The relatively small cohort size of 17 students means individual choices have significant impact on these percentages.

The school's careers programme begins in Year 7 and builds systematically through to Year 13. Every Year 11 student receives a one-to-one interview with a Level 6 qualified careers advisor, ensuring personalised guidance at this crucial transition point. The academy promotes the full range of post-16 pathways including apprenticeships, A-levels, BTECs, T-levels, and university routes.

Destination data for Year 11 leavers shows 91% progressing to sixth form or further education, with 4% moving into apprenticeships or employment. Overall, 95% of Year 11 students moved into positive destinations, demonstrating effective preparation for next steps.

University application support is provided through UCAS, with the majority of Year 13 students completing their applications by the end of the autumn term. Students interested in apprenticeships attend National Apprenticeship Fairs, ensuring they understand the full range of options available.

Grace Academy Coventry admits students through Coventry City Council's coordinated admissions process. Applications for Year 7 entry are made online through the council's website, with the deadline of 31 October for September entry. The school is oversubscribed, receiving 338 applications for 195 places in the most recent cycle, giving a subscription ratio of 1.73.

The academy serves a defined catchment area covering numerous roads in Coventry, from Aaran Croft to Yewdale Crescent, with specific house number ranges applying to some streets. After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated according to the published oversubscription criteria.

Open Evening for September 2026/27 entry takes place on 17 September, from 5pm to 7:30pm. The school also welcomes individual visits throughout the year. Prospective families can arrange a tour and meeting with a member of the Senior Leadership Team by contacting the school directly. Safeguarding protocols require all visitors to have an appointment and be accompanied by a member of staff.

Appeals are coordinated by the Local Authority. The closing date for submitting written appeals for 2026 entry is 17 April 2026, with a second round closing date of 5 June 2026. Late appeals may not be heard before September.

Sixth form applications are made directly to the school using the online application form. The Head of Sixth Form, Mrs L Moore, oversees the admissions process and welcomes students from other schools as well as those progressing internally.

Personal development received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, the highest possible judgement, reflecting the school's exceptional commitment to student wellbeing and character development. The inspection found that the school places exceptionally strong emphasis on pupils' personal development, celebrating and supporting students both inside and outside school.

The academy's approach is built around the five core values, which inform every aspect of pastoral care. The Genuine Integrity value emphasises honesty and doing what is right, while Amazing Grace supports fresh starts and second chances. This combination creates a culture where students feel supported through difficulties while being held to high expectations.

Dedicated nurture spaces provide support for students who need additional help, whether academic, emotional, or social. The Ethos area offers a relaxation space where students can decompress and build positive relationships with peers. The breakfast club ensures no student starts the day hungry, removing barriers to learning before the first lesson begins.

Behaviour is managed consistently, with the punctuality policy providing a clear example. Students arriving after 8:20am receive consequences, but these are proportionate, with late arrivals staying for the number of minutes they were late. This approach balances accountability with fairness.

Drama and Performing Arts

The Drama department offers substantial opportunities for performance and creative expression. The school's current production of Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition demonstrates the ambition of the performing arts programme, with students undertaking a demanding contemporary musical. Theatre trips complement practical work, exposing students to professional productions.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Year 9 students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award programme, coordinated by Mrs J Everitt and Mr D Stobbs. The scheme develops skills, confidence, and leadership abilities that strengthen applications for college, apprenticeships, and university. The award requires participants to serve their community, develop new skills, and understand healthy lifestyles.

Employer Partnerships and Career Ready

The academy maintains strong links with employers that translate into meaningful opportunities for students. Year 12 students participate in the Career Ready programme, including workplace visits to organisations such as Segro's London office. The partnership with Coventry Building Society provides an Employability Skills Programme that forms part of the Post-16 enrichment curriculum.

Through the CBS programme, students visit the CBS Head Office in Coventry and the BT offices in Birmingham. Sessions focus on building confidence, workplace behaviours, CV writing, and interview skills, with volunteers from CBS providing one-to-one CV clinic workshops.

Year 10 students undertake a structured work experience placement, with the most recent cohort completing placements in May 2024. Additional visits include trips to Warwick University and Tata Consultancy Services, exposing students to both higher education and corporate environments.

Sport and Wellbeing Activities

The Physical Education department offers opportunities for both recreational and competitive sport. The extra-curricular programme changes termly, with staff volunteering to run a variety of clubs. Students can access a termly timetable showing current offerings through the school website.

The school day runs from 8:20am to 3:00pm or 3:05pm depending on year group. Students must be on-site by 8:20am for morning registration, which takes place at 8:30am. The timetable comprises five one-hour lessons, with break at 10:50am and lunch at 1:10pm. Total weekly contact time is 33 hours and 20 minutes.

Breakfast club operates before school, providing free meals to ensure students begin the day ready to learn. The lunch club offers the same provision at midday. These services remove potential barriers to attendance and engagement.

Year groups use separate entrances during morning arrival and have rotating lunch schedules. Sixth form students benefit from a dedicated area with facilities supporting independent study and the academic demands of their two-year courses.

Transport links serve the Ball Hill area, with the school located on Wigston Road, CV2 2RH. Families can contact the school on 02476 589 000 or email coventry@graceacademy.org.uk.

Sixth form results below average. A-level outcomes place the sixth form in the bottom 40% in England, with 35.3% A*-B compared to the England average of 47.2%. Families considering Post-16 study should weigh the benefits of continuity and personalised support against headline attainment figures. The small cohort size means results can vary significantly year on year.

Recent improvement journey. While the 2024 Good rating represents genuine progress, the school has only recently emerged from a period of instability that included Inadequate and Requires Improvement judgements. Families should consider whether the current positive trajectory will be sustained.

Values-based Christian ethos. The school's values include Amazing Grace, and the founding trust had Christian roots. While the school has no formal religious designation, families should be comfortable with a values-led approach that draws on these traditions.

Oversubscribed intake. With 1.73 applications per place, not all families who want a place will secure one. The catchment area is well-defined, and families should check whether their address qualifies before making the school their first preference.

Grace Academy Coventry has earned its Good rating through sustained effort and genuine commitment to its community. The Outstanding personal development judgement reflects a school that does more than teach subjects. It develops young people who leave ready for the challenges ahead. The Progress 8 score of +0.31 demonstrates that students here make better progress than expected, regardless of their starting points.

Best suited to families within the catchment area who want a supportive, values-driven secondary education with strong pastoral care and meaningful employer connections. Students who thrive here are those who embrace the Grace Way values and engage with the opportunities available, from Duke of Edinburgh to Career Ready. Those seeking top-tier sixth form results may wish to compare options, but for students who value continuity and personalised support, the Post-16 provision offers genuine benefits. The main challenge is securing a place in an increasingly popular school.