Garforth Academy is a titan of West Yorkshire education. With over 2,000 students, it operates on a scale that resembles a small university, yet it maintains the discipline and structure of a traditional grammar. The big news is the school's triumphant return to the top tier: the November 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the academy Outstanding in all areas, praising the "exceptional" quality of education and the "impeccable" behaviour of students. As the flagship of the Delta Academies Trust, it sets a high bar for state education in the North.
Entering the Lidgett Lane campus, the sheer scale is the first impression. This is a busy, bustling environment where students move between blocks with purpose. Despite the numbers, the atmosphere is far from chaotic. The "Delta" influence is visible in the strict uniform standards—blazers are non-negotiable—and the orderly corridors.
Principal Mrs Anna Young, in post since 2018, has steered the school through a period of intense focus, culminating in the recent Outstanding judgement. Her leadership is described as "visionary" in reports, and the culture is one of high expectations. This is not a relaxed, free-flowing environment; it is a place of rules, routines, and clear boundaries.
To manage the large cohort, the school relies on a robust House system. This breaks the student body down into smaller communities, providing the social glue and competitive spirit—whether in sport or charity fundraising—that prevents individual students from feeling lost in the crowd.
Academically, Garforth remains a heavyweight. The 2024 results confirm its status as a high-performing comprehensive.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
46.92%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is ambitious and meticulously planned. Key Stage 3 covers three years, allowing for depth before GCSE choices are made. Teaching tends to be structured and consistent, supported by the Trust's centralised resources.
Science and Mathematics are particular strengths, benefiting from specialist facilities that smaller schools cannot match. The "Reading Routes" programme is a notable feature of the curriculum, designed to broaden students' literary horizons through specific genres. In classrooms, the focus is on "impeccable" behaviour, ensuring that learning is rarely disrupted.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
The Sixth Form is a significant operation, drawing applicants from across East Leeds, not just the main school. Ranked 1370th in England and 11th in Leeds for A-level outcomes, performance sits in the national typical band (middle 35%).
In 2024, 47% of grades were A*-B. The real strength here is breadth. The size of the college allows for a vast range of options, from Further Mathematics and Psychology to Applied Science and vocational courses. It acts as a bridge to university and employment, with dedicated study zones and a more adult atmosphere than the lower school.
Progression routes are diverse, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the intake. In 2024, 39% of leavers progressed to university, while a notable 33% moved directly into employment or higher apprenticeships—a figure that speaks to strong links with local industry.
While not an "Oxbridge factory," the school successfully supports elite aspirations; in 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge. Russell Group destinations like Leeds, York, and Newcastle are common for the academic high-flyers.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 25%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Garforth Academy is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, the school received 730 applications for 300 places—a subscription ratio of 2.4 applicants per place.
Admissions are managed by Leeds City Council. The catchment area (defined as the "nearest priority area") is the critical filter. This area covers Garforth and specific surrounding villages like Micklefield. Families living outside this priority zone face a significant hurdle; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise location relative to the priority area boundaries.
Applications
730
Total received
Places Offered
300
Subscription Rate
2.4x
Apps per place
With a population of over 2,000, the risk of invisibility is real. The school counters this through a vertical tutoring system and the House structure, ensuring every student has a "champion" among the staff.
The 2024 inspection highlighted pastoral support as a key strength, noting that students feel safe and supported. The "zero tolerance" approach to behaviour is balanced by a dedicated team managing the needs of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), ensuring that the ambitious curriculum is accessible to all.
The extracurricular offer is extensive, leveraging the school's massive facilities.
The "Garforth Big Band" has a local reputation that dates back years, and students have access to recording studios.
The "Lego Robotics" club and various STEM challenges are popular, with students competing in regional competitions.
Teams compete regionally in football, rugby, and netball, utilising the vast sports halls and Astroturf pitches.
The sheer size of the school allows for major expeditions, from history tours of Berlin to ski trips and geography fieldwork in the Yorkshire Dales.
The school day runs from 8:25am to 2:30pm. This slightly earlier finish facilitates a wide range of after-school clubs and allows students from outlying villages to catch dedicated transport services.
Size matters. This is a very large institution. While this brings resources, it requires students to be reasonably robust. A quiet child might find the busy corridors overwhelming initially.
Strict culture. The Delta Trust approach is disciplined. Uniform standards are high, and the behaviour policy is strictly enforced. Families should ensure they are comfortable with this structured ethos.
Catchment is key. Moving into Garforth does not guarantee a place if the year group is full. Appeals are rarely successful given the sheer volume of applications.
Garforth Academy has reclaimed its status as an "Outstanding" provider. It offers the facilities and breadth of a large college combined with the discipline of a traditional school. It is an academic powerhouse that serves its community with distinction. Best suited to students who thrive in a busy, structured environment and can take advantage of the massive range of opportunities on offer. The main challenge is securing a place.
Yes. Garforth Academy was rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in November 2024. The report praised the exceptional quality of education and the behaviour of students. Academic results place it in the top 25% of schools in England for GCSEs.
The school uses a "nearest priority area" system, primarily covering Garforth and villages such as Micklefield. Due to high demand (2.4 applications per place in 2024), living within this priority area is usually essential for securing a place in Year 7.
Yes, the academy has a large Sixth Form offering A-levels and vocational qualifications. It is ranked 11th in Leeds for A-level outcomes, with 47% of grades at A*-B in 2024. Application deadlines for the Sixth Form are typically in late January.
The Principal is Mrs Anna Young, who has been in post since September 2018. She oversees the academy as part of the Delta Academies Trust.
The compulsory school day runs from 8:25am to 2:30pm. The earlier finish time allows for an extensive programme of after-school enrichment activities.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
