DSLV E-ACT Academy Review 2026: An Ambitious All-Through Community

DSLV E-ACT Academy is a significant educational anchor in Daventry, serving as one of the few all-through providers in West Northamptonshire. Located in the Southbrook area, the academy guides children from the first steps of nursery through to the completion of their A-levels at age 18. This continuity is a defining feature, allowing for a stable educational journey within a single campus. Part of the E-ACT multi-academy trust, the school currently serves approximately 1,200 students across its primary and secondary phases.

The academy’s most recent official assessment confirms its status as a Good school, reflecting a steady environment where leadership has focused on creating a cohesive culture across all year groups. While academic results vary across the different phases, the school maintains a solid local reputation, particularly for its sixth form outcomes, which currently rank first in the Daventry area for A-level performance.

The atmosphere at DSLV is one of purpose and community, shaped by the "E-ACT Way" which emphasises thinking big and doing the right thing. Because the school spans the entire age range, there is a distinct sense of progression; older students often act as role models for the younger pupils, and the staff benefit from a deep longitudinal understanding of each child’s development.

The leadership team is currently led by co-headteachers Hannah Rowe (Primary) and Sarah Hadlow (Secondary). They have worked to integrate the two former separate schools (Danetre and Southbrook Learning Village) into a unified academy. The physical environment supports this, with dedicated zones for the primary phase that allow younger children to feel secure, while secondary students have access to more specialised laboratories and workshops. The school values of excellence, courage, tenacity, and kindness are evident in the corridors, where student work is celebrated and the house system provides a framework for healthy competition and peer support.

Nursery Provision

The educational journey begins in the academy’s nursery, which is fully integrated into the primary phase. This early years setting focuses on the "Communication and Language" pillar of the EYFS framework, ensuring children develop the foundational skills needed for Reception. The nursery environment is designed to be a bridge between home and school, with practitioners focusing on play-based learning that encourages social interaction and physical development.

For families considering the nursery, the academy offers a seamless transition into the main primary school. The staff here are skilled at identifying early needs, ensuring that any support required is in place well before the start of formal schooling. For current nursery fee details and availability, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for further information.

Academic performance at DSLV presents a varied picture across the key stages. In the primary phase, 64% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics in 2024. This sits slightly above the England average of 62%. Furthermore, 13% of pupils achieved the higher standard in these core subjects, significantly outperforming the England average of 8%.

In the secondary phase, the academy faces more challenges. The Progress 8 score of -0.4 suggests that students make less progress between Year 7 and Year 11 than their peers with similar starting points in other schools. The school ranks 3,416th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 2nd among secondary schools in Daventry.

However, the Sixth Form tells a different story of achievement. DSLV E-ACT Academy ranks 1st in Daventry for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 46% of A-level entries achieved A* to B grades. This indicates that while the mid-secondary years are a period of transition, students who remain for the sixth form often see a significant uptick in their academic trajectory.

The curriculum at DSLV is designed to be "knowledge-rich," following the E-ACT trust’s broader educational philosophy. In the primary years, there is a heavy emphasis on phonics and early numeracy. As students move into the secondary phase, the curriculum broadens to include a wide range of GCSE and vocational options.

Teaching is structured to support students of all abilities. The latest inspection noted that teachers have clear expectations and use assessment effectively to identify gaps in knowledge. In the sixth form, the approach becomes more seminar-based, preparing students for the independent study required at university. Specialist facilities, including science labs and technology suites, are utilised well to bring practical subjects to life.

Where Students Go Next

For pupils finishing the primary phase, the vast majority transition internally to the secondary wing of the academy. This removes the "Year 7 dip" often seen when children move to entirely new environments.

At the end of Year 13, the academy sees a strong pipeline to further education and employment. According to 2024 data, 55% of leavers progressed to university, while 25% moved directly into employment. A further 7% secured apprenticeships, reflecting the school’s focus on diverse career pathways. The academy’s academic rigour is further evidenced by its elite university pipeline; in the most recent measurement period, one student successfully secured a place at the University of Cambridge, a notable achievement for the Daventry area.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, DSLV E-ACT Academy does not charge tuition fees for any of its educational phases, including the Nursery and Sixth Form. This ensures that the first-class education and top-ranked sixth form results are accessible to all families in the Daventry community regardless of financial background.

While there are no fees, families may occasionally contribute to the costs of optional activities such as school trips, specialized uniform items, or extracurricular music lessons. The academy is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating in school life, and support is often available for families eligible for Pupil Premium or those facing temporary financial hardship.

Admissions to DSLV E-ACT Academy are coordinated by West Northamptonshire Council. For the primary phase, the school is currently at capacity, with 26 applications for 24 places in the most recent intake. The secondary phase is even more sought after, with 148 applications for 91 places, representing a subscription proportion of 1.63.

This level of oversubscription means that living within the immediate Southbrook area is often essential for securing a place. Parents comparing local options can use the Local Hub page to view these results and subscription rates side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the DSLV experience. The academy uses a house system to foster a sense of belonging, with regular house meetings and competitions that build community ties. Safeguarding is prioritised, with a dedicated team ensuring that students feel safe and supported.

The school provides "The Hub," a dedicated space where students can go if they feel overwhelmed or need emotional support. This provision is particularly important in an all-through setting, as the pastoral team can track a student’s wellbeing over many years, providing a level of consistency that few other schools can match.

The extracurricular life at DSLV is varied, with a focus on building character and resilience. Students have access to a range of clubs that extend beyond traditional sports.

STEM Excellence

The academy places a high value on STEM subjects, with specific clubs designed to encourage innovation. Students participate in the E-ACT Robotics Challenge and the Maths Challenge, which allow them to apply classroom theory to complex problems. The science department also runs a Dissection Club for aspiring medical students in the sixth form.

Sport and Creative Arts

Sporting facilities include a large sports hall and extensive playing fields. The school competes locally in football, netball, and athletics. In the arts, the DSLV Performance Society puts on an annual production that involves students from both the primary and secondary phases, fostering a rare kind of cross-age collaboration.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm, though timings can vary slightly between the primary and secondary phases. Wraparound care is available for primary pupils, including a breakfast club starting at 8:00am and after-school provision until 4:30pm.

The academy is located in the Southbrook area of Daventry, easily accessible by local bus routes and within walking distance for many families in the NN11 postcode. Parking on site is limited, so the school encourages walking or cycling where possible.

• Secondary Progress Measures: While A-level results are the best in the local area, the GCSE Progress 8 score of -0.4 indicates that some students may not be reaching their full potential during the middle years of their education. Families should look at how the school is addressing this through its recent curriculum changes.
• Oversubscription: With 1.63 applications for every place in Year 7, entry is competitive. Families living outside the immediate Southbrook area may find it difficult to secure a place without a sibling already at the school.
• All-Through Environment: The experience of being in a school with 3-year-olds and 18-year-olds is unique. While it offers great stability, some students may eventually feel they want a "fresh start" at age 11, which this environment does not naturally provide.

DSLV E-ACT Academy is an ambitious and well-integrated school that offers a rare level of stability for Daventry families. It is best suited to parents who value the "all-through" model and want a school with a proven track record of sending students to top-tier universities from its sixth form. While the GCSE progress scores highlight areas for continued focus, the school’s overall "Good" standing and exceptional A-level ranking make it a strong contender in the local landscape.