Longfield Academy, Darlington Review 2026: A Journey of Remarkable Transformation

Located on Longfield Road, Longfield Academy serves a cohort of approximately 900 students in the north of Darlington. The school has undergone a period of intense and successful change, moving from an Inadequate rating to being officially judged as Good in all categories following a comprehensive inspection in October 2024. This turnaround is widely credited to the leadership of Mrs Angela Sweeten, who has been Head teacher since early 2022, and the support of the Inicio Academies trust.

Academic results for 2024 place the school in a solid position within the Darlington landscape. It sits within the national typical band, representing the middle 35% of schools in England (58.89th percentile). While the school is mainstream and non-selective, its recent trajectory has made it an increasingly popular choice for local families, reflected in a high subscription proportion of 1.81 for recent entry cycles.

The atmosphere at Longfield Academy is now one of order, kindness, and renewed purpose. Following the 2024 inspection, the culture was described as one where students are happy and friendly, marking a significant departure from previous years. The academy has moved away from the disruption of the past, establishing a calm and orderly environment where students feel safe and supported.

The physical setting on Longfield Road provides a functional and modern campus that supports a variety of academic and technical pursuits. As part of Inicio Academies, the school benefits from a wider network of educational expertise, which has helped embed a culture of high expectations for both conduct and scholarship. The transition between lessons is purposeful, and the school operates with a visible sense of pride in its recent improvements.

In 2024, Longfield Academy recorded an Attainment 8 score of 43.6, which is in line with the Darlington local authority average. This reflects a steady academic foundation for its students. The school currently ranks 6th among secondary schools in Darlington (FindMySchool ranking) and 2,705th across England for GCSE outcomes.

While the Progress 8 score of -0.47 indicates that students make slightly less progress than the England average from their primary starting points, attainment in key areas remains stable. Approximately 41.9% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and mathematics, which is competitive within the local context. The average EBacc APS score of 3.53 further demonstrates that a core group of students is successfully engaging with a rigorous suite of academic subjects.

The quality of education at Longfield Academy is now officially judged as Good, with a curriculum that is both ambitious and well structured. Teachers possess thorough subject knowledge and have worked hard to ensure that lessons are engaging and free from disruption. The school has focused on closing gaps in student knowledge that were identified in previous years, particularly in core subjects.

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support is a notable strength. The school provides effective, tailored assistance to ensure that all students can access the full curriculum. The use of assessment is increasingly precise, allowing staff to identify students who require extra support and providing timely interventions to keep them on track for their GCSEs.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11 to 16 academy, Longfield provides a vital bridge to further education and vocational training. The school has established strong links with local post-16 providers, most notably Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington, which is a frequent destination for students pursuing A-levels.

Careers guidance is integrated throughout the secondary years, helping students to navigate the transition to college, apprenticeships, or employment. The school's focus on personal development ensures that leavers are not only academically prepared but also possess the social skills and resilience required for the next stage of their education.

Securing a place at Longfield Academy has become more competitive as its reputation has risen. For the most recent intake, there were 163 applications for 90 offers in the primary-route entry, resulting in the school being oversubscribed. Darlington Borough Council coordinates the admissions process, and the closing date for secondary applications is typically 31 October for the following year's entry.

Places are allocated according to a clear set of criteria: looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school receive priority, followed by siblings and those living closest to the academy. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical offer distances.

Pastoral care has been the cornerstone of the school's recent success. The 2024 inspection confirmed that safeguarding procedures are effective and that students feel they have trusted adults to turn to if they have concerns. The school has a clear and embedded choices policy for behaviour, which has successfully reduced incidents of poor conduct and bullying.

Personal development is rated as Good, with a strong emphasis on British values, diversity, and mental health. Daily updates on student welfare and a dedicated pastoral team ensure that the academy remains a nurturing environment where individual needs are recognised and addressed.

The extracurricular programme at Longfield Academy is diverse, offering students the chance to explore interests beyond their academic subjects.

Sport and STEM

The school maintains a strong presence in Darlington district sports, with active teams in football, netball, and athletics. The facilities on Longfield Road support both competitive fixtures and recreational physical activity. In the realm of STEM, the academy encourages participation in coding and science clubs, aiming to inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists.

Creative Arts

Music and drama are integral to the school's enrichment offer. Regular performances and creative projects allow students to develop their confidence and performance skills. These activities are viewed as essential for building the happy and friendly culture that now defines the academy.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The academy is conveniently located for families in the Longfield and Cockerton areas of Darlington, with good pedestrian access and local bus links. Detailed information regarding the school uniform and the required equipment lists can be found on the academy's official website.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Longfield Academy does not charge tuition fees. It is free for all students aged 11 to 16. Families should budget for costs related to school uniforms, optional educational trips, and specialized equipment for certain elective subjects. Financial support may be available for families eligible for the Pupil Premium or those facing significant financial hardship; enquiries regarding such assistance should be directed to the school's finance office.

• Recent Turnaround: While the 2024 Good rating is a major achievement, the school is still embedding its new culture. Families should look at the current momentum rather than historical reports.
• Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 1.81, the school is increasingly oversubscribed. Living within the immediate vicinity is often necessary to secure a place.
• Progress 8 Scores: The current score of -0.47 is below the England average. This is an area the school is actively working to improve through its renewed curriculum and higher expectations for all learners.

Longfield Academy has transformed itself into a school of choice for the Darlington community. The successful move from Inadequate to Good in just two years is a testament to the hard work of the staff and the clarity of the leadership. It is best suited to local families who want a school with a strong pastoral heart and a clear, upward trajectory in academic standards. The primary hurdle for new families is likely to be the competitive admissions process.