Welland Park Academy Review 2026: Academic Strength in Market Harborough

Welland Park Academy serves the historic market town of Market Harborough as a prominent 11 to 16 secondary academy. Situated near the heart of the town, the school has undergone a significant transformation, successfully transitioning from a middle school to a high-performing secondary provider. With a capacity of 1,050 students, it offers a learning environment that feels substantial yet maintains the community focus typical of Leicestershire schools. The academy consistently demonstrates academic results that place it well above the England average, making it a primary choice for families across the local authority.

The atmosphere at Welland Park Academy is defined by a sense of calm purpose and high expectations. Occupying a site that blends traditional school architecture with modern additions, the physical environment supports an orderly and focused school day. Students move between lessons with a maturity that reflects the school's emphasis on mutual respect and responsibility.

The leadership, currently under Principal Pete Leatherland who has been in post since September 2023, has fostered a culture where academic ambition is the norm. The school operates with a clear structure that students seem to appreciate, creating a predictable and safe environment for learning. This sense of stability is often cited by local families as a key reason for the school's popularity.

While the school has high standards, it avoids an exam factory feel. Instead, the focus is on personal development alongside academic study. The smart appearance of the uniform and the well-maintained facilities reflect a palpable sense of pride among the student body. The school feels like a professional workplace for young people, encouraging a serious approach to education from the start of Year 7.

Academic performance is a significant strength. Welland Park Academy ranks 1,030th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 2nd among secondaries in Market Harborough. This sits above the England average, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong band).

In the most recent published metrics, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 53.4, which significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9. Perhaps more importantly for parents, the Progress 8 score of +0.37 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points in primary school. These figures suggest that the academy is effective at adding value to its students' education, regardless of their ability level upon entry. Furthermore, 25.9% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), compared to an England average of 20%.

The latest ungraded Ofsted inspection in February 2025 confirmed that the school has sustained the high standards identified at its previous inspection. Inspectors noted that the curriculum is now broad and ambitious for all pupils, leading to strong outcomes.

The curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and inclusive. In the lower years (Key Stage 3), students follow a broad programme that emphasizes core literacy and numeracy while providing substantial time for the arts, humanities, and physical education. As students move toward their GCSEs, the academy provides clear pathways that allow for specialization without narrowing the curriculum too early.

Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge and use a variety of instructional techniques to keep students engaged. According to the most recent inspection, the curriculum is well-constructed and staff make sure that pupils behave well, ensuring learning is rarely disrupted. While the school has strengthened its curriculum, leaders continue to focus on ensuring teachers check precisely that pupils have learned exactly what was intended before moving them on to new topics.

The school has also ensured that all pupils have more opportunities to develop their reading skills than previously. Those who find reading more challenging benefit from prompt, personalized support to help them become fluent readers, reflecting a commitment to literacy across all ability levels.

STEM: Innovation and Practical Science

STEM subjects are treated as a major pillar of the academy's identity. The science department benefits from well-equipped laboratories where practical experimentation is a regular part of the curriculum.

• Design Technology: The school features impressive workshops where students engage in high-level engineering and design projects. Specialist spaces for textiles and food technology complement the more traditional workshop areas.
• Mathematics: The department follows a structured approach that emphasizes problem-solving. High-achieving mathematicians are regularly entered into the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) challenges, with a significant number securing awards.
• Extracurricular STEM: Beyond the classroom, students can participate in coding clubs and robotics challenges. The school frequently engages with local engineering firms to provide real-world context for student projects.

Extracurricular life at Welland Park Academy is vibrant and well-attended. Students can view and sign up for activities using the SOCS system, which manages a diverse range of lunchtime and afterschool offers.

Sport is a major focus, with the academy fielding competitive teams in rugby, football, netball, and basketball. The school also offers more niche physical activities, such as badminton and trampolining, ensuring broad participation. The creative arts are equally celebrated, with rehearsals for major productions like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and various music ensembles, including the KS3 Woodwind and String Ensemble.

Notable specific clubs include the Warhammer Club, Drama Club, and an active LGBTQI+ and Ally Group. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme also sees high levels of engagement at Bronze and Silver levels, helping students develop resilience and leadership skills outside of traditional academic settings.

Securing a place at Welland Park Academy is increasingly competitive. Admissions are coordinated by Leicestershire County Council, though the academy trust manages the administration directly. For the most recent entry cycle, the school was significantly oversubscribed, with 467 applications for 210 places (the current PAN). This represents a subscription proportion of 2.38, meaning there were more than two applications for every available desk.

The academy primarily serves the town of Market Harborough and surrounding feeder villages including Little Bowden, Meadowdale, and Farndon Fields. Proximity is a key factor; after looked-after children and siblings, priority is given to those living in the catchment area. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical trends in Leicestershire.

Wellbeing is integrated into the fabric of the school through a robust house system and a dedicated pastoral team. Each year group has a designated Head of Year and a Pastoral Support Manager, ensuring that students have multiple points of contact for social or emotional concerns.

The 2025 inspection found that pupils look out for each other and that bullying is extremely rare. Students benefit from a well-constructed personal development programme that addresses modern issues such as healthy relationships, the responsible use of social media, and online safety. This proactive approach helps pupils speak confidently about how to look after their well-being and stay safe.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Welland Park Academy has no tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all students aged 11 to 16. Families are responsible for costs related to school uniform, elective trips, and specialized music tuition. Financial support is available for families eligible for Pupil Premium, which can help cover the costs of uniform and essential school activities. The school has a very strong careers programme that includes work experience, ensuring all students are prepared for life after Year 11 regardless of their financial background.

The school day begins with Tutor Time at 8:40 am and concludes at 3:00 pm. The schedule is divided into five hour-long sessions, with a 20-minute morning break and a 40-minute lunch period. Extra-curricular sessions (Session 6) typically run from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm.

While the school does not publish a dedicated primary-style wraparound care service, the extensive Session 6 club programme effectively extends the day for many students. Transport is straightforward for those living in Market Harborough, while local authority bus services are well-established for students from outlying villages.

• Significant Oversubscription: With over two applications for every place, entry is a major hurdle. Families living on the periphery of the catchment area should have a clear secondary option in mind.
• No Sixth Form: The academy only provides education up to Year 11. Students must transition to local colleges or other school sixth forms at age 16.
• Academic Pace: The curriculum is ambitious and moves at a brisk pace. While support is available, students who prefer a slower-paced environment may find the academy's focus on progress quite demanding.

Welland Park Academy is a school firing on all cylinders, providing a high-quality state education that consistently outperforms local and England averages. It successfully combines a traditional focus on academic results with a modern, technology-rich approach to learning. Best suited to families in Market Harborough who want a structured, ambitious secondary environment that prepares students effectively for the transition to post-16 study. The main hurdle is admission; once secured, the education is exceptional.