The Priory Witham Academy Review 2026: All-Through Education in Lincoln

Sitting on a 15-acre site on the edge of Lincoln, The Priory Witham Academy offers a continuous educational journey from toddlers in the Little Priory nursery to young adults in the Sixth Form. As part of The Priory Federation of Academies Trust, it serves a diverse local community with the motto Believe Together, Achieve Together. While secondary outcomes face challenges, the primary phase is a notable strength, delivering results well above the national average.

At drop-off, the gates reveal the unique dynamic of an all-through school; parents might drop a toddler at the nursery and wave goodbye to a sixth former in the same trip. The campus is zoned carefully to ensure younger children feel secure while giving older students independence, though the shared values of Wisdom, Curiosity, and Generosity run through every phase.

Mr Ben Key leads the academy, supported by Mrs Amy Tallentire as Head of Primary. The atmosphere is grounded and practical. This is not an ivory tower but a community hub where pastoral care is prioritised alongside academic delivery. The buildings are functional and modern, equipped with specialist facilities for sport and performing arts that serve both the students and the wider Birchwood locality.

The school operates as a genuine all-through provider. The transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is seamless for existing pupils, removing the "cliff edge" drop in performance often seen when children switch schools.

Performance varies significantly across the phases, with the primary years showing particular strength.

In the primary phase, results tell a positive story. In 2024, 68% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, exceeding the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 15% of pupils achieved greater depth, compared to the England average of 8%. The academy ranks 9,607th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and sits 40th among local schools.

In the secondary phase, the picture is more complex. The Progress 8 score of -0.52 indicates that students make less progress from their starting points than their peers nationally. Ranked 3,466th in England and 11th in Lincoln for GCSEs, the school sits in the national lower band. However, the curriculum remains broad, and the school works hard to support students across a wide ability range.

At Sixth Form, the focus shifts heavily towards vocational success. The A-level metrics reflect this context, with 9% of grades at A*-B compared to the England average of 47%. Ranked 2,545th in England and 12th in Lincoln for A-level outcomes, the provision is best understood as a pathway to employment and technical training rather than a traditional academic hothouse.

The curriculum is designed as a "seven-year journey" in the secondary phase, building on the foundations laid in primary. In the lower years, teaching utilises the expansive grounds, including a sensory garden for the youngest pupils.

As students progress, the focus sharpens on core subjects and vocational options. The academy benefits from the wider Trust's resources, allowing for shared expertise in staffing and curriculum design. Teaching in the primary phase is robust, evidenced by the strong reading and mathematics scores (104 and 103 scaled scores respectively, both above England averages).

The all-through nature means internal progression is the norm. The majority of Year 6 pupils move seamlessly into Year 7, joining an intake that expands significantly with students from other local primaries.

Post-16 destinations reflect a strong vocational ethos. In 2024, 29% of leavers progressed to university. A significant proportion moved directly into the workforce or technical training: 39% entered employment and 13% started apprenticeships. This employment rate is notably higher than many local competitors, suggesting the school prepares students effectively for the world of work.

Admissions are coordinated by Lincolnshire County Council. The school is popular and oversubscribed. In 2024, the secondary phase saw 2.1 applications for every place, making entry competitive for external applicants. The primary phase was also oversubscribed, with 1.24 applications per place.

For Reception entry, the published admission number (PAN) is 60. For Year 7, the PAN increases to 150 to accommodate the external intake. Where oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings, and then those living nearest to the school by straight-line distance.

The House system is central to academy life, fostering a sense of belonging within the larger school population. Pastoral support is structured to handle the specific needs of different age groups while maintaining a consistent approach to behaviour and welfare. The school prides itself on being inclusive, working closely with families to support students who may face challenges outside the classroom.

The extracurricular programme leverages the academy's facilities, particularly in sport and the arts. Students can engage in a variety of clubs ranging from football and netball to drama and dance productions.

The academy's status as part of the Priory Federation opens doors to Trust-wide events and competitions, giving students opportunities to compete and collaborate with peers from across Lincoln. Trips and residential visits are a key part of the "Priory Passport" initiative, aiming to broaden horizons beyond the classroom.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Breakfast club provision is available in the "Beacon Room" from 8:00am, supporting working parents. The site is located on De Wint Avenue in the Birchwood area of Lincoln, well-served by local bus routes. Parents should note that whilst the academy covers ages 2-18, the nursery ("Little Priory") has its own admissions process separate from the main school.

Secondary performance context. While primary results are strong, secondary progress scores trail national averages. Families should look closely at the specific support available for their child's academic needs in Key Stages 3 and 4.

Vocational Sixth Form focus. The low percentage of top A-level grades reflects a sixth form geared more towards vocational qualifications and employment than elite university entry. It suits students seeking practical pathways to work.

Oversubscription risks. With more than two applicants for every secondary place, families living outside the immediate Birchwood locality should not assume a place is guaranteed. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The Priory Witham Academy acts as a true community anchor, offering stability and a nurturing environment from age two to adulthood. The primary phase is a clear strength, delivering results that outperform national benchmarks. Best suited to local families seeking a cohesive, supportive all-through education where vocational pathways and employment readiness are valued as highly as academic exams.