The Milton Keynes Academy Review 2026: A Journey of Transformation

The Milton Keynes Academy (MKA) serves a diverse urban community in the Leadenhall area of Milton Keynes. Originally opened in 2009, the school joined the Creative Education Trust in 2018. The academy has recently undergone a significant transformation. After previously being rated Requires Improvement, a May 2025 Ofsted inspection judged the school to be Good in all four key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Under the leadership of Principal Gordon Farquhar, appointed in September 2021, the school has set new records for academic achievement and student outcomes. The academy serves approximately 1,550 students across the 11 to 18 age range, including a thriving sixth form.

The atmosphere at MKA is defined by a sense of professional purpose and high aspiration. The school’s physical environment, a modern purpose-built campus on Fulwoods Drive, is designed to feel orderly and calm. Large glass-walled spaces and open communal areas facilitate a positive flow of students throughout the day.

Principal Gordon Farquhar has instilled a culture known as "The MKA Way," which emphasises the values of respect, responsibility, resilience, equality, and aspiration. These values are visible in daily interactions, and the 2025 Ofsted report highlighted that pupils demonstrate high levels of respect for each other and staff. The student body is exceptionally diverse, reflecting the global community of Milton Keynes, and this diversity is celebrated as a core strength of the school’s identity.

The school’s academic trajectory has shifted sharply upward. Following the 2025 Good rating, the academy celebrated its most successful set of exam results to date. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 35.8. This score sits below the England average, but recent data indicates significant growth in the number of students achieving higher grades and meeting the criteria for their next steps.

The academy currently ranks 14th among secondary schools in Milton Keynes for GCSE outcomes. While it has historically sat in the lower tiers of England rankings, the latest performance metrics demonstrate a school that is rapidly closing the gap with national benchmarks. For many students, the Progress 8 score, which tracks growth from their starting points, is becoming a more accurate reflection of the school’s added value.

Teaching at MKA follows the Creative Education Trust's "Knowledge Connected" framework. This approach encourages students to link their learning across different disciplines, preparing them for the complexities of the modern workplace. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, particularly in its focus on literacy and vocabulary, which is essential for a student population with a high percentage of those speaking English as an additional language.

At Key Stage 4, students are offered a balanced range of GCSEs and vocational qualifications. Teachers use frequent low-stakes testing and retrieval practice to ensure knowledge is embedded. The 2025 inspection noted that staff swiftly and accurately identify the needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), providing them with the effective support they need to flourish alongside their peers.

Where Students Go Next

The school provides a robust pipeline into higher education and the professional world. In 2024, 43% of leavers progressed to university, with others moving into employment (26%) or apprenticeships (2%). The academy’s careers programme is considered a "shining strength," helping students understand their safety and future character traits.

Sixth form students benefit from a dedicated study centre and a curriculum that blends A-levels with high-quality vocational courses. Many students choose to remain at MKA for their post-16 studies, while others secure placements at Milton Keynes College or local technical apprenticeships.

Admissions for Year 7 are coordinated by Milton Keynes City Council. The academy is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its growing popularity. In the most recent entry cycle, there were 220 applications for 141 offers, a subscription proportion of 1.56.

The national closing date for Year 7 applications is 31 October 2025 for September 2026 entry, with National Offer Day on 02 March 2026. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Proximity is a key factor once sibling and other priority criteria are met.

Pastoral care is a significant pillar of the school's success. The academy uses a year-based pastoral system, with non-teaching Pastoral Leads who are available throughout the day to support students' emotional needs. Behaviour has improved significantly since the school’s previous inspection, with clear expectations and targeted support now the norm.

The academy also features "The Bridge," a specialised facility designed to support students during the transition from primary school or those facing specific emotional challenges. This nurturing environment ensures that no student feels lost in the school's large population.

The academy offers a vibrant extracurricular programme that takes advantage of its extensive sports and arts facilities. The sports hall and outdoor courts are centres for basketball and football, while the theatre hosts student-led productions and music events.

STEM

STEM education is a major pillar at MKA. The school is well-regarded for its Robotics Club and participation in the Formula 24 Greenpower racing challenge. These programmes allow students to engage with real-world engineering projects, often in collaboration with the Creative Education Trust’s wider network of employer sponsors. Science and technology are not just classroom subjects here; they are pathways to innovation.

The school day starts at 8:40am and ends at 3:10pm. While the academy does not publish its own wraparound care for secondary students, it offers a wide range of after-school clubs. The site is accessible via several local bus routes, making it a convenient choice for students across the city. Families can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

• Upward Momentum: While historical data shows lower results, the 2025 Ofsted report and 2025 exam results confirm a school that is improving rapidly. Families should look at current trends rather than historical averages.
• Urban Environment: The school is a large, busy urban academy. It suits students who thrive in a diverse, energetic environment but may be less ideal for those seeking a small, rural setting.
• Oversubscription: Competition for places is real. Families living near the school's boundary should verify their distance carefully before the October deadline.

The Milton Keynes Academy has successfully reinvented itself as a high-performing community school. With a recent Good rating and record-breaking results, it is a school that combines academic ambition with a deep commitment to its students' personal development. It is best suited to students who want to be part of a diverse, respect-driven community that prepares them for both higher education and the modern workforce.