One school, two campuses, and a fresh identity. Historically known simply as Ousedale, this North Buckinghamshire heavyweight joined the E-ACT multi-academy trust in September 2024, rebranding as E-ACT Ousedale School. It remains a dual-campus behemoth, serving over 2,200 students across Newport Pagnell and Olney. Despite its size, a very recent inspection in January 2025 confirms it hasn't lost its personal touch, securing Outstanding grades for its leadership and personal development.
The defining feature of Ousedale is its split personality—in the best possible sense. The Newport Pagnell campus is the bustling heart, a large, energetic site serving the town and Milton Keynes' eastern flank. Six miles north, the Olney campus offers a smaller, semi-rural experience for Years 7 to 11, often described by parents as having a "village school" feel within a large system.
Mr Paul McFadden took the helm as Headteacher in October 2024, having previously served as Senior Deputy. His leadership has already made a mark; the January 2025 Ofsted report praises the "vibrant atmosphere" and notes that the new vision—"Be Kind, Work Hard, Succeed Together"—is not just a slogan but a lived reality.
The school feels orderly but not regimented. The Pastoral & Academic Support (PAS) structure is a key architectural feature of daily life, ensuring that in a school of this size, individual students aren't swallowed up.
Academic performance remains solid and reliable. In the most recent validated data (2024), the school ranked 2,195th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st among secondary schools in Newport Pagnell, placing it in the "national typical" band.
The Sixth Form is a particular strength. Ranking 1,108th in England for A-level outcomes, it sits comfortably in the top 45% of schools nationally. The 2024 cohort saw nearly half of all grades (49.8%) awarded at A*-B, a statistic that reflects a mature, academic culture at the top of the school.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
49.82%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and traditional. The recent E-ACT partnership has brought fresh investment in staff training, which inspectors in 2025 noted has made teachers "experts in their subjects."
The Sixth Form is the natural destination for Year 11s from both campuses. The transition from the smaller Olney site to the main Sixth Form centre is well-managed, though it remains a significant jump for some.
In 2024, 55% of leavers progressed to university, with a healthy 7% securing apprenticeships—often with major Milton Keynes employers. The school supports high achievers effectively; in the last cycle, one student secured a place at Cambridge, and 12 students went on to study medicine.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
E-ACT Ousedale is a comprehensive school, but "comprehensive" does not mean "easy to get into." It is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 534 applications for 354 places (Year 7), creating a competitive ratio of 1.5 applications per seat.
Admissions are handled by Milton Keynes City Council. The defining criterion is your address.
The "double catchment" phenomenon in Milton Keynes can be confusing. Families on the edges of these zones should verify their priority status directly with the council.
Applications
534
Total received
Places Offered
354
Subscription Rate
1.5x
Apps per place
The 2025 inspection rated Personal Development as Outstanding, a rare accolade. The report highlighted that students are "active citizens" who feel safe and supported.
The pastoral system splits the massive cohort into manageable units. Non-teaching Pastoral & Academic Leaders (PALs) are available throughout the day, meaning student issues aren't waiting for a teacher to have a free period. Bullying is described as rare, and when it happens, it is dealt with effectively.
The "Ousedale Experience" extends well past 3:05pm.
As mentioned, music is a pillar. Drama is equally strong, with high-quality annual productions that involve huge numbers of students.
The Newport Pagnell site boasts extensive fields and 3G pitches. Fixtures in rugby, netball, and football are a staple of the week.
Students volunteer in local care homes and run charity events, contributing to the "Be Kind" ethos.
Typically 8:40am to 3:05pm.
A network of buses serves the rural villages for the Olney campus.
Smart and strictly enforced.
Parents of Olney children should remember that for Years 12 and 13, the commute will change to Newport Pagnell.
1. The "Big School" Factor. With 2,200+ students, Ousedale is a town in itself. While pastoral care is outstanding, it suits students who can navigate a busy, bustling environment better than those who need a very quiet, small-scale setting.
2. Campus Lottery. Your home address generally dictates your campus. You cannot simply "choose" the small Olney campus if you live next to the Newport Pagnell site. Check the maps carefully.
3. Sixth Form Transition. For Olney students, the move to Newport Pagnell for A-levels is a rite of passage, but it does mean a change in travel and environment at a crucial academic moment.
The recent rebrand to E-ACT Ousedale has done nothing to dampen the school's strengths; in fact, the January 2025 inspection suggests it has energised them. This is a school that offers the best of both worlds: the resources and breadth of a large academy, with the pastoral care and "village" feel (at Olney) of something much smaller. Best suited to families who want a reliable, high-performing comprehensive that treats character as seriously as calculus.
Yes. In its most recent Ofsted inspection (January 2025), the school was rated Good overall, with Outstanding grades for Leadership & Management and Personal Development.
There are no fees. E-ACT Ousedale is a state-funded academy.
Applications for Year 7 are handled by Milton Keynes City Council. The closing date is typically 31 October for entry the following September. Sixth Form applications are made directly to the school.
Generally, no. Campus allocation is based on your home address and the specific catchment area you reside in (Newport Pagnell vs. Olney).
Yes, a large and successful Sixth Form is based at the Newport Pagnell campus. It serves students from both lower-school campuses and external applicants.
Get in touch with the school directly
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