Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College Review 2026: Historic Roots, Modern Ambition

Founded in 1735 as Ossett Grammar School, this large academy has evolved from its selective roots into a comprehensive engine of social mobility. Today, it serves over 1,700 students as a founding member of the Accord Multi Academy Trust. The campus physically embodies this journey: the Edwardian red-brick 'Park House' stands in sharp contrast to the glass-fronted 'Create' building and the purpose-built Accord Sixth Form centre. It is a school that manages to be both the historic anchor of the town and its modern educational hub.

Walking past the 1907 facade of Park House, visitors encounter a school that prides itself on ordered ambition. The atmosphere is purposeful rather than hushed. Uniform standards are high, with the navy blazer and house tie worn expectantly.

Mr Alex Lunn took up the post of Head of Academy in September 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to the leadership team while working under Executive Principal Mrs Nicola Walker. The leadership style is visible and structured, underpinned by the 'Positive Discipline' policy. This system is not just about sanctions; it heavily emphasizes rewards, creating a culture where doing the right thing is the norm.

The sheer scale of the site—blending the listed historic block with modern science wings and sports facilities—allows for specialist zones that smaller schools cannot match. The 'Create' building, dedicated to arts and technology, signals that creativity is not sidelined here.

Academically, Ossett Academy is a heavyweight in the local landscape. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.24, meaning students achieve nearly a quarter of a grade higher across all subjects than similar students nationally.

The Attainment 8 score of 52.1 sits well above the England average of 45.9. Ranked 1,518th in England and 1st in Ossett for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the academy consistently outperforms local alternatives.

The published figures suggest particular strength in the core curriculum. With an average EBacc APS score of 4.4 (England average: 4.08), the school delivers strong outcomes in English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.

The curriculum is designed to keep doors open. Key Stage 3 retains breadth, with separate sciences, history, geography, and languages taught by specialists. The 'Create' faculty ensures that design technology, art, and music remain core entitlements rather than optional extras.

Lessons follow a clear 'Ossett' structure, typically beginning with recall activities to cement prior learning. Inspectors have noted that this consistency helps students feel secure and make sustained progress. Reading is given high priority, with 'Drop Everything and Read' sessions embedded into the weekly routine to bolster literacy across the cohort.

Post-16 provision is delivered through the Accord Sixth Form, which operates as a distinct entity on the site. Sixth formers wear business dress and have their own cafe and study zones, creating a professional bridge to adulthood.

In 2024, A-level results placed the college 1st in Ossett and 1,860th in England. While the A-level performance sits in the 'national lower' band (top 70%), this reflects an inclusive entry policy that welcomes students onto diverse pathways.

The college is particularly strong on vocational progression. A notable 15% of leavers progress to apprenticeships—five times the national average—demonstrating excellent links with local industry.

The destinations data paints a picture of pragmatic ambition. While 32% of 2024 leavers progressed to university, a third (33%) moved directly into employment, and the apprenticeship rate is exceptional.

For those aiming for elite universities, the support is targeted. In 2024, two students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing a place at Cambridge. This demonstrates that the academic ceiling is high for those with the aptitude and drive to reach it.

Admission is coordinated by Wakefield Council and is competitive. In 2024, the school received 486 applications for 293 places, resulting in a subscription rate of 1.66 applications per place.

The school is consistently oversubscribed. Places are allocated first to looked-after children and those with an EHCP, then to catchment area residents. The last distance offered varies annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families outside the immediate Ossett catchment should be realistic about their chances.

With nearly 2,000 students, the danger is anonymity. The academy counters this with a vertical House system. Students belong to one of four houses, creating smaller 'schools within a school'.

Pastoral Year Leaders (non-teaching staff) are the backbone of the support system. Because they do not have a teaching timetable, they are available throughout the day to deal with issues immediately, a structure that parents value highly.

The facilities drive the extracurricular offer. The floodlit 3G pitch and sports hall host a busy schedule of fixtures, with teams frequently reaching Wakefield district finals in football, rugby, and netball.

The arts are a second pillar. The 'Create' building hosts choirs, bands, and a drama club that utilizes the main auditorium for annual productions. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a rite of passage for many, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver awards.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Uniform is strictly enforced: navy blazer, house tie, and specific trousers or skirts. The academy is located on Storrs Hill Road, within walking distance of Ossett town centre, though dedicated bus services bring students from the wider area.

Scale of the school. This is a very large institution. While the house system provides a home base, the busy corridors and large year groups require students to be reasonably robust and independent from the start.

Strict expectations. The 'Positive Discipline' policy is rigorous. Rules regarding uniform, equipment, and punctuality are black and white. Families who prefer a more relaxed or negotiable approach may find the structure chafing.

Mixed ability reality. As a comprehensive, lower school classes include a wide ability range. While setting is used in core subjects, parents of highly able children should ensure their child is being stretched in mixed-ability foundation subjects.

Ossett Academy is the undisputed heavyweight of local education. It combines the historic prestige of its grammar school past with a modern, inclusive engine that delivers strong progress for students of all abilities. Best suited to families who want a high-performing, structured environment and are comfortable with a large, busy school. The main challenge is living close enough to get in.