Oasis Academy Wintringham Review 2026: A Community Hub with Personalised Care

Oasis Academy Wintringham serves as a central pillar of the Grimsby community, occupying a spacious site on Weelsby Avenue. As a large secondary academy for students aged 11 to 16, it provides a structured and inclusive environment for approximately 1,100 young people. The school is part of Oasis Community Learning, one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England, which brings a clear ethos focused on character, inclusion, and community transformation.

Under the leadership of Principal Rachel Revell, who was appointed in early 2023 after serving as Associate Principal, the academy has maintained a trajectory of steady improvement. The latest Ofsted inspection in March 2023 confirmed the school remains Good, highlighting a calm, orderly environment where students feel safe and well supported. While academic results sit below the England average, the academy is recognised for its high expectations and the significant investment it makes in student wellbeing and personal development.

The atmosphere at Oasis Academy Wintringham is one of purposeful calm. The school is housed in a modern, well-equipped building that feels bright and open, designed to facilitate both academic study and social interaction. Beyond the physical structure, the academy is defined by its 9 Habits (including being patient, kind, and humble), which are woven into the daily language of the school.

Students move through the corridors with a sense of order, a result of the school's clear and consistent behaviour policies. There is a palpable sense of community here; staff are visible and approachable, and students report that they have a trusted adult to turn to if they have concerns. The academy operates as more than just a place of learning; it is a community hub that hosts events and provides support for local families, reflecting the broader Oasis mission.

The student body is diverse, and the school places a heavy emphasis on inclusion. This is evidenced by the Oasis Horizon project, which provides every student with an iPad to ensure that digital poverty does not act as a barrier to learning. This initiative has transformed how students interact with the curriculum, allowing for more interactive and personalised study both in the classroom and at home.

The academy ranks 3,379th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 5th among 7 secondary schools in Grimsby. This performance sits within the lower 40% of schools in England (national lower percentile band), reflecting the significant challenges faced by the local community.

In the most recent measurement period, the academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 36.5, which is below the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.68 indicates that students, on average, make less progress from their starting points at the end of Key Stage 2 than their peers across England. Additionally, 6.4% of students achieved grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), compared to the England average of 40.5%.

While these figures highlight areas for academic growth, the academy focuses on value-added progress in specific subjects and the personal growth of its students. Leaders are transparent about these results and have implemented rigorous intervention programmes, particularly in core subjects, to bridge the attainment gap for disadvantaged learners.

Teaching at Oasis Academy Wintringham is characterised by a highly structured approach. Lessons typically follow a consistent format, often starting with a Do Now activity to consolidate previous learning. This routine helps students settle quickly and ensures that no learning time is wasted. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and use the provided iPads to deliver creative and engaging lessons.

The curriculum is broad, offering a range of GCSE and vocational options designed to suit different interests and career paths. While there is a push for more students to follow the EBacc suite of subjects, the school also maintains a strong offering in technical and creative subjects. Leaders have worked hard to ensure that the curriculum is ambitious for all, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

In response to the latest inspection findings, the school has focused on refining its assessment strategies. Teachers now use data more effectively to identify gaps in knowledge, though the school acknowledges that the consistency of this approach across all departments remains a work in progress.

Oasis Academy Wintringham is a popular choice for local families. In the most recent admissions cycle, the academy was oversubscribed, receiving 303 applications for its 156 places. This represents a subscription proportion of 1.94, meaning nearly two families applied for every available seat.

Admissions for Year 7 entry are coordinated by North East Lincolnshire Council. As a non-selective state school, places are allocated based on standard criteria: first to students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school, followed by looked after children, those living in the catchment area, and siblings. For 2026 entry, the application deadline is 31 October 2025. Parents seeking a place here should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their proximity to the school gates, as demand from the immediate locality is high.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Oasis Academy Wintringham does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all enrolled students.

The academy provides support for associated costs, such as uniforms and school trips, for families eligible for Pupil Premium funding. Furthermore, the 1:1 iPad provision through the Oasis Horizon project is provided to every student without a requirement for personal purchase, ensuring all students have equal access to essential learning technology.

Pastoral care is arguably the academy's greatest strength. The school is organised into a year-based pastoral system, with dedicated Heads of Year and non-teaching pastoral leads who are available throughout the day. This structure ensures that student issues, whether academic or emotional, are dealt with swiftly.

The academy provides extensive support for mental health, including access to on-site counselling and strong links with external support agencies. Safeguarding procedures are described as effective and robust, with a culture of vigilance that permeates the staff. For students with SEND, the academy provides a tailored approach, with a dedicated team working to ensure that these students can access the full curriculum alongside their peers.

The extracurricular life of the academy is designed to build character and cultural capital. The academy offers a variety of clubs, ranging from traditional sports teams to more niche interests. Annual highlights include sporting fixtures at local venues and community projects that allow students to develop leadership skills.

STEM: Future Skills

The academy's commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is evidenced by its investment in technology. The 1:1 iPad scheme allows students to engage with complex scientific simulations and coding projects. The academy also maintains links with local industry, providing students with insights into technical careers available in the Humber region.

Physical education and sport are also central, with students having access to a large sports hall, fitness suite, and extensive playing fields. The academy frequently hosts inter-school fixtures, fostering a sense of healthy competition and school pride.

The school day begins at 8:25am and finishes at 2:45pm. The academy offers a breakfast club from 7:45am, providing a calm start to the day and a nutritious meal for students. While the school does not publish specific details of a full after-school wraparound care programme beyond extracurricular clubs, many activities run until 4:00pm.

The site is easily accessible by public transport, with several local bus routes stopping nearby on Weelsby Road. There is limited on-site parking for visitors, and parents are encouraged to use walking routes where possible to ease congestion during drop-off and pick-up.

• Academic Progress: Current Progress 8 scores are below the England average. While the academy provides a supportive environment, families seeking the highest academic outcomes in Grimsby may wish to compare these results with other local providers using the Comparison Tool on the Local Hub page.
• High Demand: With nearly two applications for every place, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families living outside the immediate vicinity of Weelsby may find it difficult to secure a place during the initial allocation.
• Vocational Balance: The school has a strong vocational offering, which suits many students but may mean fewer traditional academic pathways compared to a school with a larger EBacc intake.
• Digital Learning: The 1:1 iPad scheme is central to the school’s identity. While this is a significant advantage for most, parents should be aware that the school expects a high level of digital responsibility and engagement from its students.

Oasis Academy Wintringham is an improving and highly inclusive school that places the wellbeing of its students at the heart of everything it does. While academic attainment remains a challenge, the academy's personal development and behaviour are key strengths. It is best suited to students who will benefit from a structured, tech-forward environment and parents who value a school with a strong community mission.