The Fallibroome Academy Review 2026: A Place for Excellence

In 1979, Fallibroome opened as a purpose-built comprehensive school on its current Macclesfield campus, an institution shaped around the belief that excellence emerges from creating space for every student to flourish. Beyond the school's gates, the atmosphere is quietly purposeful. Students move thoughtfully between lessons; the classrooms hum with engaged learning. With approximately 1,550 students across a campus that spans from Year 7 through Year 13, the school has established itself as a fixture of achievement in the North West. The latest Ofsted inspection in November 2022 rated the school as Good across all areas, a designation that reflects consistent, dependable quality education delivered through an ambitious curriculum that balances academic rigour with genuine opportunities for personal growth. Mr Ross Martland took over as Headteacher in September 2024, bringing fresh momentum to what is already a well-established institution.

The school occupies approximately 40 acres on the outskirts of Macclesfield, creating what visitors consistently describe as a campus feel despite its position within a suburban landscape. The low-rise brick buildings, constructed over decades, provide functionality over architectural flourish, yet the overall environment conveys order and purpose. Multiple outdoor spaces, including tennis courts and an expansive astroturf pitch, define much of the physical landscape.

What defines the school's character most powerfully is the culture of mutual respect that permeates daily interactions. The 2022 Ofsted report specifically noted that pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour in all lessons and around the school site, with low-level disruption being rare. This atmosphere is intentional. Leaders prioritise what they describe as student wellbeing and behaviour above all else, and staff work systematically to maintain high standards of courtesy and engagement. Pupils wear uniform and follow a clear phone policy (devices off and out of sight during the day), and the school describes a calm, orderly movement through corridors.

Pupils report feeling genuinely safe in school and appreciate the priority leaders give to their emotional and mental health. The school has invested specifically in this area, with a dedicated counsellor available for drop-in sessions or referrals, and four full-time pastoral assistants supporting students who need additional guidance. From Year 7 through to Year 11, pupils keep the same head of year and form tutor, building long-term relationships that help staff know them well.

The performing arts are particularly strong, creating something of a distinctive identity. Annual school shows draw audiences from the wider community. The school's What's On Guide for the academic year advertises extensive evening performances, from drama productions to music concerts and dance showcases. This integration of performance into school life creates a sense of cultural vibrancy that sets Fallibroome apart from many comparable schools.

GCSE Performance

The Fallibroome Academy ranks 1019th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 22% of secondary schools and comfortably within the strong performance band. At the local level, the school ranks 2nd among secondary schools in Macclesfield, a position held consistently across recent years.

In quantitative terms, the average Attainment 8 score stands at 55.6, well above the England average of 45.9. This measure reflects the breadth of achievement across eight qualifications. Students averaged a Progress 8 score of +0.56, indicating that pupils make above-average progress from their starting points at primary school. This is a meaningful figure for parents considering the school; it suggests students are not simply maintaining their prior achievement levels but actively progressing beyond expectations.

The English Baccalaureate uptake remains an area of focus. Currently, 23% of pupils achieve grade 5 or above in the EBacc suite of qualifications (English, mathematics, two sciences, a foreign language, and either history or geography), slightly below the England average of 40% uptake. School leaders acknowledge this and have begun encouraging greater numbers to pursue languages alongside their core subjects. The move reflects an understanding that breadth of qualification matters as students progress into sixth form and beyond.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, the school achieves particularly strong results. Ranking 662nd in England (FindMySchool ranking), Fallibroome sits in the top 25% of sixth form providers. Recent A-level outcomes show 59% of grades achieving A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The breakdown: 11% of grades at A*, 21% at A, 27% at B.

The sixth form offers substantial breadth. Twenty-six subjects are available, including languages such as Spanish and French, as well as less commonly offered subjects like Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art. This range allows students to construct genuinely personalised pathways rather than being funnelled into narrowly defined routes. The school also offers vocational and technical qualifications alongside traditional A-levels, recognising that post-18 pathways are diverse.

In the 2024 cohort, 60% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university, with an additional 7% entering apprenticeships, 17% moving into employment, and 1% to further education. One student secured a place at Cambridge, the sole Oxbridge acceptance from 10 applications in the measured period. Beyond Oxbridge, school website data indicates that 34% of A-level leavers progress to Russell Group universities, reflecting sustained success in securing places at competitive institutions including Imperial College, Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Warwick.

The school places particular emphasis on supporting students with aspirational destinations. A dedicated careers programme begins in Key Stage 3 and continues through sixth form, with specialist staff providing information about apprenticeships, degree-level study at a range of institutions, and direct employment pathways. The emphasis is on choice and information rather than predetermined routes.

The curriculum is deliberately ambitious. The 2022 Ofsted report highlights that leaders have designed a well-thought-out curriculum with clear intent, and staff deliver it skilfully. Teaching is structured around a secure assessment system that enables staff to identify gaps in knowledge and address them promptly. Teachers provide plentiful opportunities for students to revisit previous learning and reflect on necessary improvements, a practice that research suggests deepens retention and understanding.

Subject teaching is grounded in careful preparation. Across mathematics, history, English, science, and other subjects that underwent deep inspection, teachers demonstrated secure subject knowledge. Lessons observed were well-structured, with clear learning intentions and appropriate challenge for different students. Teaching is not performative or excessive; it is functional and purposeful. Students learn the skills required to evidence their thinking in examinations, whether through extended essay writing in humanities, mathematical proof in maths, or practical investigation in sciences.

The school has prioritised reading support across the curriculum. Students who find reading more challenging receive targeted intervention using systematic synthetic phonics where appropriate. Beyond this, leaders are building more opportunities for students to develop reading knowledge across all subjects, recognising that literacy underpins success in every discipline.

The Fallibroome Academy's extracurricular programme is genuinely extensive, reflecting the school's stated commitment to a whole education that develops skills and interests alongside academic success. The school offers between 35 and 40 different clubs and activities each week, spanning lunchtime, after-school, and weekend provision. This section highlights the most significant and distinctive opportunities.

Music: A Central Pillar

Music at Fallibroome occupies a genuinely prominent place in school life. The department runs from Year 7 through to A-level, with the school describing itself as a Specialist College of Performing Arts. Students develop performance, composition, listening, and analysis skills across the curriculum. Beyond formal lessons, musical ensembles flourish. The Chapel Choir performs regularly, including annual tours to prestigious venues. The school also hosts a Symphony Orchestra, smaller ensembles for jazz and contemporary genres, and a Battle of the Bands competition that generates genuine student excitement. The school's What's On Guide advertises concert performances throughout the academic year, with multiple evening events attracting families and community members. This breadth of provision means a student interested in music can pursue elite-level performance, explore composition, or simply enjoy making music with peers.

Drama and Performing Arts

The Drama Department similarly operates a rich enrichment programme alongside curriculum provision. The recent school show drew audiences from across the region. Multiple theatre groups operate throughout the year, staging productions ranging from classical theatre to contemporary pieces. A dedicated Drama Studio with sprung wooden floor and the school's Performance Hall (capacity 380 plus standing) provide professional-standard spaces. The department actively recruits students who wish to work behind the scenes, supporting technical elements of productions. Year 11 netball team achieved 3rd place in the national championships and was notably the highest-placed non-selective school in the competition.

Dance

Dance has expanded significantly in recent years. The Dance Department offers curriculum Dance alongside lunchtime and after-school clubs. The school runs a dedicated Dance Connect programme, which offers both recreational and elite-level dance pathways.

STEM and Technology

The school publishes FAMOUS (Fallibroome Academy Magazine Of Unbelievable Science), a student-led publication celebrating scientific inquiry and discovery. Clubs operating in STEM include named groups for coding and robotics, with students engaging in practical projects. The school supports participation in mathematics competitions, with recent success in the British Schools Gold mathematics competition. The broader STEM culture emphasises problem-solving, curiosity, and practical application rather than purely abstract learning.

Sports: Depth and Breadth

Fallibroome maintains genuinely strong sporting provision. The school runs intramural competitions in which all students participate, alongside competitive fixtures in team sports including football, netball, hockey, rugby, and volleyball. The facilities are comprehensive: a 2G astroturf pitch floodlit for evening and winter use, five floodlit tarmac tennis and netball courts, a gym and training hall with sprung wooden floor, badminton courts, basketball courts, and access to Macclesfield Leisure Centre and the Athletics Track. Up to 40 different sports clubs operate each week, with the philosophy that there is something for everyone, from elite-level competitive sport to recreational activity.

The school competes at local, district, regional, and national levels. Recent successes include the U12 and U14 Macc and District championships, and the U16 Cheshire champions title. This pattern of success across multiple age groups and sports suggests a culture of participation and achievement rather than reliance on a single dominant sport.

Community and Leadership

The sixth form is actively involved in community service. Students support a range of charities and community initiatives, taking on leadership roles that contribute positively to the local area. The school runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, with students pursuing Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. In 2024, the Eco-Council was awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag, recognizing the school's environmental sustainability work.

Clubs and Societies

Beyond the major pillars outlined above, students can pursue chess clubs, coding groups, art clubs, and subject-specific enrichment societies. Theatre trips expose students to professional productions. The breadth of offer means that students genuinely do find something that resonates with their interests.

Student wellbeing is explicitly positioned as the school's primary priority. The 2022 Ofsted report emphasises that leaders have placed particular emphasis on ensuring pupils have a secure understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy in their everyday lives, including specific support for mental health.

The Respect curriculum provides explicit teaching about safeguarding, healthy relationships, and personal safety from Year 7 onwards. This continues into the sixth form through a well-designed tutor programme. Pupils can identify trusted adults they feel comfortable approaching with concerns. The school employs a dedicated counsellor, four full-time pastoral assistants, and multiple staff trained in mental health support.

Behaviour expectations are high and consistently maintained. The school's mobile phone policy (devices out of sight throughout the school day) is enforced uniformly, reducing distraction and creating focused learning time. Students describe the school as a place where mutual respect is genuinely practiced, not merely proclaimed. Bullying is taken seriously and handled promptly when reported.

The Fallibroome Academy Sixth Form serves approximately 365 students across Years 12 and 13, making it a substantial and established provision. The sixth form is physically distinct from the main school, with dedicated facilities and a separate leadership structure under an Assistant Headteacher who is designated the Director of Sixth Form.

Entry to the sixth form is not automatic. Students progress from Year 11 to Year 12 based on achieving specific grade requirements, which vary by subject. This ensures that students entering sixth form courses are well-prepared for the demands of A-level work. External applications are welcomed, allowing students from other schools to access Fallibroome's sixth form.

Students in the sixth form enjoy a range of enrichment opportunities including work experience, visits to universities, specific preparation for degree-level study in competitive fields like medicine, and access to current affairs discussions as part of the wider personal development programme. The environment is intentionally different from the lower school, with sixth form students having greater freedoms (including use of a dedicated common room) balanced against expectations of increased independence and responsibility.

The school operates as a non-selective academy under the Halliard Trust. It serves a mixed-gender, mixed-ability intake. Admission to Year 7 is coordinated through Cheshire East Local Authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed; in the most recent cycle, there were 563 applications for 240 places, reflecting a subscription proportion of 2.35 (meaning approximately 2.35 applicants for every place).

With such strong demand, the school operates distance-based admissions after all priority categories (looked-after children, children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, children of staff) are allocated. Parents should verify their proximity to the school with the Local Authority before relying on acceptance. Entry to the sixth form at Year 12 requires students to meet specified GCSE grade requirements, typically Grade 5 (strong pass) in intended A-level subjects.

The school operates as a full mixed secondary academy with a dedicated sixth form. The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for main school students, with sixth form students enjoying slightly greater flexibility. Transport to the school is readily available; Macclesfield train station is approximately 2 miles away, and regular bus services connect the town centre to the school site. Parents dropping students off are asked to use the Leisure Centre Overflow Car Park to ensure safety on the school site.

This is a state school, so there are no tuition fees. However, families should budget for uniform (which is compulsory and includes blazer, specific colours, and shoes), examination fees if any resits are required, school trips (particularly the Year 6 residential and various subject-specific expeditions), and any music tuition if pursued alongside school studies.

Oversubscribed admissions. With approximately 2.35 applications per place, entry is highly competitive. Families should verify their distance from the school gates with Cheshire East before relying on a place here. The school admits on a distance basis after all priority categories, making proximity the deciding factor for the vast majority of applications. Families unable to secure a place may be disappointed, particularly given the school's strong reputation.

Attendance expectations. The school maintains high expectations for regular attendance. While the school recognises that some disadvantaged pupils have struggled with attendance, this remains an area of focus within the Ofsted improvement plan. Families should be aware that the school takes attendance seriously and will engage proactively with families whose children are absent regularly.

Uniform policy and behavioural standards. The school operates strict expectations around uniform, mobile phone use, and behaviour. Students are expected to adhere to the uniform code, keep mobile phones turned off and tucked away during the day, and maintain high standards of courtesy. Families should discuss these expectations with their children before entry, as the culture is distinctly structured and formal.

The Fallibroome Academy delivers a genuinely complete secondary education. Strong academic results, combined with truly extensive extracurricular provision and explicit attention to wellbeing, create an environment where different students can find their identity and succeed. The school is particularly strong for students who thrive within a structured, expectations-driven culture; who want access to broad extracurricular opportunities; and who value the performing arts. The school's recent Ofsted rating of Good reflects dependable, consistent quality education delivered by experienced staff within a cohesive, purposeful community.

The main challenge is admission. With demand consistently exceeding supply by more than 2 to 1, securing a place requires either living within the increasingly tight catchment area or accessing one of the very limited priority categories. For families who do gain admission, the school delivers exceptional value. Expect your child to be part of a large, well-organised community with high standards, rich opportunities, and genuine support for both academic and personal development.