Goole Academy Review 2026: Academic Growth and Community Spirit

Goole Academy serves the port town of Goole and its surrounding East Riding villages with a renewed sense of purpose and rising academic standards. Since joining the Delta Academies Trust, the school has undergone a significant cultural shift, moving from historical challenges to a position of strength within the local area. Current performance data places the academy 1,987th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which reflects solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.

The academy provides for approximately 1,260 students across the 11 to 16 age range. It is a school defined by high expectations and a structured environment, where the traditional red blazers represent a community increasingly confident in its own trajectory. Under the leadership of Principal Mrs Kirsty Holt, who leads a team committed to "The Delta Way," the school has focused heavily on a framework designed to ensure consistency in teaching and student conduct.

The atmosphere at Goole Academy is one of calm, professional focus. The school occupies a site that blends substantial traditional brick architecture with modern wings, situated on Centenary Road. It feels less like a sprawling institution and more like a focused learning centre. The school motto, Always Excellence, is visible throughout the corridors, serving as a constant reminder of the academy's rising ambitions.

There is a palpable sense of order here. The school uses a "praise-led" behaviour system that rewards students for effort and engagement while maintaining clear boundaries. This structure has been central to the school's recent success, moving it away from past difficulties toward a culture where students feel safe and supported. The latest Ofsted inspection in 2022 confirmed this progress, awarding the school a Good rating and noting that students are proud to attend and behave well.

Goole Academy has become one of the most improved schools in the region. The 2024 GCSE results tell a story of significant "value added," meaning students make progress that exceeds what might be expected based on their primary school starting points.

The academy achieved an Average Attainment 8 score of 47.2, which is a competitive figure for a non-selective secondary. More impressively, the Progress 8 score of +0.5 is well above the England average. This indicates that, on average, students at Goole Academy achieve half a grade higher in every subject than students of similar ability elsewhere. Within the Goole area, the school ranks 2nd for GCSE outcomes, positioning it as a top tier local choice.

While the percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) sits at 13.1%, the average EBacc APS score of 4.04 remains in line with England averages. These results demonstrate that while the school is inclusive of all abilities, it provides the necessary rigour for high achievers to reach top grades.

Teaching at Goole Academy follows a highly structured model developed by the Delta Academies Trust. Lessons typically begin with "Do Now" tasks to retrieve previous learning, followed by clear modelling and independent practice. This consistency helps students feel secure in their learning, as they know exactly what to expect in every classroom, whether they are in a Science laboratory or an English seminar.

The curriculum is broad in Key Stage 3, allowing students to explore a wide range of subjects before narrowing their focus for GCSEs. The school has invested heavily in its STEM provision, which is a significant pillar of the academy's identity.

STEM: Engineering and Innovation

The academy benefits from Goole's industrial heritage, maintaining strong links with local engineering firms. The Design and Technology department is equipped with industry-standard machinery, and the school frequently participates in regional STEM competitions. This focus is not merely academic; it is designed to prepare students for the high-skilled employment opportunities available in the Humber region, particularly in renewable energy and logistics.

As a 11 to 16 academy, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical milestone. The school provides extensive careers guidance, ensuring that every student has a clear pathway forward.

Most students progress to further education at nearby colleges, including Selby College and Bishop Burton College. A significant proportion also move on to the sixth form provision at Wyke Sixth Form College in Hull or New College Pontefract, both of which are popular for A-level study. For students seeking technical routes, the school's links with local industry facilitate a strong pipeline into higher-level apprenticeships, particularly in engineering and trade sectors.

Admissions are coordinated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Goole Academy is currently at capacity, reflecting its growing popularity among local families. For the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 303 applications for 279 available places.

The school does not have a formal catchment map but prioritises children living in Goole and the surrounding villages. Parents considering the academy should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Pastoral care is organized through a Year Leader system, ensuring that students have a consistent point of contact throughout their five years at the school. The "Learning Manager" role is unique to the academy, providing a non-teaching member of staff who is available throughout the day to support students with emotional or social concerns.

The school takes a proactive approach to mental health, with a dedicated facility that provides a quiet space for students who may be feeling overwhelmed or who need additional support to reintegrate into lessons. The 2022 inspection noted that safeguarding is effective and that students feel there is always an adult they can talk to if they have a concern.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied, with a strong emphasis on participation. The academy features a large sports hall and extensive playing fields that host a busy fixtures list in football, rugby, and netball.

Specific clubs often mentioned by students include the Coding Club and the various Performing Arts ensembles. The school puts on an annual musical production, which involves students from across all year groups in both performing and technical roles. The academy also offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with a high uptake for the Bronze level among Year 9 and 10 students, encouraging resilience and outdoor skills.

Fees & Financial Aid

Goole Academy is a state-funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees for students to attend. This is a public school funded by the government through the Delta Academies Trust.

While there are no fees, families may need to consider costs for school uniforms, optional field trips, and some extracurricular materials. The school provides support through the Pupil Premium fund for eligible students, which can help cover costs such as uniform grants or assistance with the price of educational visits. Parents are encouraged to check the school website for the latest eligibility criteria for financial assistance.

The school day begins at 8:25am and finishes at 2:45pm, though many students remain for "Period 6" enrichment or intervention sessions which typically run until 3:45pm.

The academy is located within walking distance of Goole town centre and the railway station, making it accessible for students travelling from nearby villages such as Howden or Rawcliffe. There is dedicated cycle storage on site, and several local bus routes serve the school directly.

• No Sixth Form: Families must plan for a transition at age 16. While the school provides excellent support for this, students will need to travel to Selby, Hull, or Pontefract for A-level or BTEC Level 3 study.
• Structured Environment: The "Delta Way" involves strict adherence to uniform and behaviour policies. This level of structure suits the vast majority of students and has driven the school's improvement, but families who prefer a more informal educational philosophy may find it prescriptive.
• Oversubscribed Status: With over one application for every place, the school is now at capacity. Families moving into the area mid-year may find it difficult to secure a place immediately and should contact the East Riding admissions team early.

Goole Academy is a school that has successfully transformed its culture and its outcomes. It offers a disciplined, fact-rich education that empowers students to achieve well above England averages for progress. Best suited to local families who value a structured environment and want a school that prepares children effectively for both academic and technical futures. The main hurdle for prospective families is the increasing competition for places.