The Sir Robert Woodard Academy

Serving the coastal communities of Lancing, Sompting, and Shoreham in West Sussex, The Sir Robert Woodard Academy opened in September 2009, replacing the former Boundstone Community College. Named after Rear-Admiral Robert Woodard, great-grandson of educational pioneer Nathaniel Woodard, the academy is part of the Woodard Academies Trust, one of the largest groups of Anglican schools in England and Wales. With approximately 1,400 students aged 11 to 18, the school operates from a modern campus built through the Building Schools for the Future programme in 2011. The sixth form, branded W6, offers A-levels and BTEC qualifications with strong links to university and apprenticeship pathways.

The academy's motto, Aspire to Achieve, runs through everything here. Principal Mr Kieran Scanlon leads a school that emphasises three core community values: Safe, Kind, and Respectful. These are not abstract principles. The ASPIRE framework translates them into six learner characteristics, with students expected to be Ambitious, Self-regulating, Present, Independent, Resilient, and Excellent. Students earn Aspire Points for demonstrating these qualities, and regular recognition of achievement is built into school life.

The Christian ethos is genuine but inclusive. Founded within the Woodard tradition established in 1848, the academy embraces students from all faiths and none while maintaining a programme of collective worship and links with local faith groups. The spiritual dimension here focuses on personal development and community service rather than denominational instruction.

The purpose-built campus emphasises light and space throughout. Modern buildings house well-equipped classrooms, specialist facilities, and social areas designed to support both learning and wellbeing. The academy operates a Chapter System rather than traditional year groups, with each chapter named after an inspirational figure. Lapper Chapter, named after artist Alison Lapper MBE, covers Performing Arts and PE, while Nightingale Chapter, honouring Florence Nightingale, encompasses Science and SEND. Each chapter has a dedicated Chapter Head, Chapter Leader, and Pastoral Support Officer who builds relationships with students and families throughout their seven years at the academy.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, the academy's Attainment 8 score of 44.4 sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. The school ranks 1,565th in England and 1st among secondary schools in Lancing for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). The Progress 8 score of -0.18 indicates students make slightly below average progress from their starting points, though this represents significant improvement from the school's earlier struggles.

Just over a quarter of students (26.3%) achieved grades 5 or above across the English Baccalaureate subjects. The EBacc average point score of 4.35 exceeds the England average of 4.08, suggesting that students who pursue the full EBacc pathway perform well in these traditional academic subjects.

A-Level Performance

In the sixth form, 49.3% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, with 18.8% at A*-A. These figures place the school squarely in the typical band for England, ranking 1,285th and 2nd in Lancing for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). The emphasis here is on value-added progress rather than headline grades, with the school focusing on ensuring students achieve their potential regardless of starting point.

The curriculum follows a traditional academic structure with notable enrichment. The academy uses the ASPIRE framework to develop successful learner habits, embedding metacognitive strategies into daily teaching. Each subject teacher shares responsibility for developing every student in their class, with support staff deployed effectively to ensure no one falls behind.

The SEND provision is robust, led by Mr R Langstone as Special Educational Needs Coordinator alongside Inclusion Manager Mr S Stott. The department follows the SEND Code of Practice 2015 with an assess, plan, do, review framework. Students requiring additional support receive Pupil Passports that share strategies across all teaching staff, while those with high needs or EHCPs benefit from Learning Plans with termly review meetings involving parents and students.

Small group and one-to-one interventions complement classroom teaching. The school maintains extremely high expectations for all pupils including those with additional needs, recognising that inclusive education means ambitious goals for everyone.

Destinations data tells a story of diverse pathways. Of the 2024 cohort, 39% progressed to university, while 27% entered employment directly and 4% began apprenticeships. One student secured a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that elite destinations are achievable from this state school.

The school reports that approximately 9% of A-level leavers join Russell Group universities, with graduates also pursuing drama school and high-level apprenticeships at companies including Apple. The careers programme prepares students for multiple routes, recognising that success takes many forms. University application support through the sixth form helps those aiming for higher education navigate UCAS, while careers guidance opens doors to vocational and professional pathways.

Year 7 Entry

Year 7 admissions are managed by West Sussex County Council through the coordinated admissions process. The academy publishes a Planned Admission Number (PAN) of 240 students. Applications open on Monday 8 September 2025 with a closing deadline of Friday 31 October 2025. National offer day falls on Monday 2 March 2026, with waiting lists established from Monday 30 March 2026.

The catchment area includes all primary schools in Lancing and Sompting, extending into Shoreham. Applicants can select up to three schools in order of preference. The school does not publish last distance offered data, but admissions data shows 476 applications for 229 offers, indicating the school receives around 2.08 applications per place. This oversubscription means families should list the school as a genuine preference and consider backup options.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates when planning applications.

Sixth Form Entry

W6 sixth form admits up to 100 students to Year 12, with external places calculated as 100 minus the number of internal students progressing. Applications are managed through the Applicaa platform.

Entry requirements for A-level courses include a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English (Language or Literature) and Maths. Level 3 vocational programmes require 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and Maths. Individual subjects have additional requirements detailed in the W6 Entry Requirements by Subject document for 2026 entry.

The W6 open evening for September 2026 entry takes place on Thursday 9 October 2025, from 5pm to 7pm. Applications for September 2026 are open, though specific closing dates should be confirmed with the school directly.

The Chapter System provides a distinctive pastoral structure. Each chapter is overseen by a senior leader (Chapter Head) with day-to-day management by a Chapter Leader supported by a dedicated Pastoral Support Officer. This officer builds relationships with students and their families through all seven years at the academy, providing continuity that traditional year-based systems often lack.

Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff comprehensively trained to recognise concerns and respond efficiently to emerging risks. The 2021 Ofsted inspection confirmed that pupil wellbeing is maintained securely. Pastoral teams address both personal and academic concerns, with specialist support available for vulnerable students.

The inclusion provision deserves particular mention. Students with Education Health and Care Plans receive Annual Reviews, while those with high needs benefit from Learning Plans developed by the SENCO or Inclusion Manager. Enhanced transition arrangements include extra tours for vulnerable children and dedicated Year 6 Parents Evenings for selected families including those with EHCPs or Looked After Children.

Sport and Fitness

Sport is central to academy life, with football, athletics, netball, and basketball as the top performing clubs. The facilities are impressive: an 8-court sports hall with retractable seating, a floodlit all-weather 3G pitch funded by Brighton and Hove Albion in the Community, a floodlit 6-court multi-use games area, a running track, and an industry-standard cardio and resistance fitness centre. The academy is home to the SRWA Sussex Bears, providing a competitive outlet for talented athletes.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts has long been central to the surrounding communities. The purpose-built 178-seat theatre with retractable seating and professional lighting hosts numerous productions throughout the year. Several bands, choirs, and drama and dance groups perform regularly to a high standard. Dedicated dance, drama, and music rooms include a recording studio and soundproof practice rooms.

The curriculum delivers dance and drama in Years 7 and 8, expanding in Years 9-13 with qualifications in set design, costume, lighting, sound, makeup, and acting. Students have chances to play in a band, sing in a choir, and participate in the varied programme of performances.

Enrichment and Community

The extracurricular programme caters to diverse interests. Academic clubs include Model UN, Debating, Chess, and Mathletes, while the Super Curriculum programme extends learning beyond the syllabus. Community initiatives such as the Un-muck the world! project and gardening club encourage environmental stewardship.

Unique partnerships with major organisations including Ricardo and Greenpower connect students with industry professionals. The Duke of Edinburgh Award has grown substantially, with students completing expeditions in the South Downs National Park. Bronze Award costs £100 per student and Silver £120, with potential 50% funding for Pupil Premium students.

International trips combine travel with community service, broadening horizons while developing responsibility.

The school day runs from 8:45am (registration) to 3:15pm. The timetable includes five teaching periods, a mid-morning break from 11:15am to 11:35am, and lunch from 12:35pm to 1:10pm. Total instructional time amounts to 32.5 hours weekly.

Transport options are comprehensive. The academy subsidises a private coach service via A&A Travel from Shoreham, costing £160 per term with the school contributing over £30,000 annually. Two routes operate, arriving at 8:35am and departing at 3:30pm and 3:40pm respectively. Public bus route 19A (Compass Travel) runs from Shoreham through Lancing directly to the academy gates. Lancing train station is a 15-minute walk, or The Pulse bus service connects every 10 minutes. Bicycle racks provide secure storage for those cycling or scooting to school. Eligible families can apply to West Sussex County Council for free transport assistance.

Progress measures are below average. The Progress 8 score of -0.18 indicates students make slightly less progress than expected from their starting points. While significantly improved from the school's earlier difficulties, families focused primarily on value-added measures may want to examine this closely.

Christian ethos throughout. The Woodard tradition means collective worship and faith-based activities are woven into school life. Families uncomfortable with this should be aware, though the approach is inclusive and welcomes students of all faiths and none.

Sixth form size is modest. With capacity for 100 Year 12 students and external places dependent on internal progression, subject combinations may be limited compared to larger sixth form providers. Students with niche subject requirements should verify availability.

Competition for places. With 2.08 applications per Year 7 place, the school is oversubscribed. Families should list preferences strategically and have realistic backup options.

The Sir Robert Woodard Academy has undergone a genuine transformation. From Special Measures in 2012 to Good across all areas in 2021, the turnaround reflects sustained leadership and investment in every aspect of school life. Purpose-built facilities, a distinctive Chapter System, and strong performing arts and sports programmes create opportunities beyond the academic.

Results sit in the typical range for England rather than at the top. Families seeking headline-grabbing grades may look elsewhere. But for students in Lancing, Sompting, or Shoreham who want a comprehensive education within a caring Christian community, with modern facilities and diverse pathways to university, apprenticeships, or employment, The Sir Robert Woodard Academy delivers what it promises.

Best suited to local families who value pastoral care, extracurricular breadth, and an inclusive ethos. Parents comparing local options can use the Local Hub page to view results side-by-side with the Comparison Tool.