Nene Park Academy Review 2026: A Sport-Focused Community Hub

Nene Park Academy sits on the western edge of Peterborough, occupying a spacious green site that reflects its proximity to the country park from which it takes its name. Since converting to academy status in 2011 under the Meridian Trust (formerly CMAT), the school has established itself as a popular choice for local families. With a Progress 8 score of +0.14, students here make progress above the England average from their starting points. The school is distinct for its close partnership with Peterborough United Football Club, integrating elite sports training with mainstream education in a way few state schools manage.

The campus feels expansive. A mix of refurbished blocks and modern additions, including a purpose-built science centre, creates a functional, forward-looking environment. The location on Oundle Road places it adjacent to green space, and the school utilises this footprint well; the grounds feel open rather than enclosed.

Mr Robin Grover, Principal, leads a school that emphasises "pride" as a core value. The atmosphere is energetic but structured. Students move purposefully between lessons, and the uniform standards are high. As part of the Meridian Trust, the school benefits from a wider network of support and resources, visible in the shared "Pledges" system that encourages students to engage in citizenship and personal development alongside their studies.

The partnership with Peterborough United ("The Posh") is a defining feature. It brings a professional sporting ethos onto the campus that permeates the wider school culture. While not every student is an elite footballer, the presence of the academy training facilities on-site raises the bar for physical education and creates a palpable sense of aspiration.

The school delivers solid academic outcomes that sit comfortably within the national average range, with particular strength in student progress.

In 2024, the school's GCSE performance secured a ranking of 1,593rd in England (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it ranks 4th among secondary schools in Peterborough. The Progress 8 score of +0.14 is a key indicator, showing that students achieve nearly a sixth of a grade higher across all subjects than students of similar ability nationally. The average Attainment 8 score of 48.6 exceeds the England average of 45.9, confirming that students leave with strong qualifications.

At A-level, the picture is one of consistent delivery. The academy ranks 1,179th in England for A-level outcomes and 7th in Peterborough. Nearly half of all grades (48%) were A*-B in 2024, slightly above the England average of 47%. The proportion of top grades is respectable, with 7% of entries achieving A*.

The curriculum is broad and follows a three-year Key Stage 3, resisting the trend to shorten this foundational period. This allows students to explore subjects in depth before narrowing their choices. The school operates a 'Session 6' model, where the school day extends voluntarily to include enrichment and intervention, a structure that allows teachers to offer support without disrupting core lesson time.

Teaching is structured around clear routines. Lessons often begin with recall activities to cement prior learning. The science department benefits from modern laboratories, allowing for practical work to be a regular feature rather than an occasional treat. In the arts, the provision is robust, with drama and music enjoying dedicated spaces that encourage performance.

The Meridian Trust link ensures the curriculum remains aligned with current research. Staff participate in trust-wide training, which brings a consistency to teaching methods across departments. Students with Special Educational Needs (SEND) are supported through 'The Hub', a dedicated area that offers a calmer environment for those who find the main school bustle overwhelming.

Destinations data reflects a school that supports diverse pathways. In 2024, 47% of leavers progressed to university. While this is lower than some selective providers, it is balanced by a strong vocational and employment record. Notably, 34% of students moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than the national norm, suggesting the school prepares students effectively for the workplace.

The Sixth Form sends students to a range of institutions. In 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that the elite academic pathway is open for the most able. The apprenticeship route is also well-trodden, with 9% of leavers securing these competitive positions, often with local engineering or business firms.

For Year 11 students, the majority choose to stay on for the Sixth Form, which is seen as a natural continuation of the NPA experience. Those who leave often progress to Peterborough College for specific vocational courses not offered on site.

Admission to Nene Park Academy is coordinated by Peterborough City Council. The school is oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity in the Orton area and beyond. In the most recent intake, there were 417 applications for 232 places, resulting in a ratio of 1.8 applications per place.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, followed by siblings of current students. Geography plays the decisive role for the remaining places; the school serves its immediate catchment of Orton Longueville and Orton Waterville first. Families living further afield, particularly in the Hamptons or central Peterborough, often find it difficult to secure a place without a sibling link.

For Year 7 entry, families must apply by the national deadline of 31 October. Offers are sent out on 1 March. The school handles its own in-year admissions for other year groups, but availability is rare.

Pastoral care is organised through a House system, which provides a smaller community within the larger school. The houses—named after inspirational figures—compete in sports, arts, and academic challenges. This fosters a sense of belonging that is vital in a school of over 1,000 students.

Each student has a tutor who is the primary point of contact. The "Pledges" system is central to wellbeing; students are expected to complete pledges related to participation, leadership, and service. This focus on character education ensures that students build resilience and soft skills alongside their academic knowledge.

Bullying is taken seriously. The school uses online reporting tools to allow students to raise concerns discreetly. The pastoral team includes non-teaching student support officers who are available throughout the day, ensuring that help is not limited to break times.

The extracurricular offer, branded as 'Session 6', is extensive. It runs after formal lessons finish and includes academic intervention alongside clubs. Participation is high, driven partly by the Pledges system which requires students to engage with wider school life.

Sport

Sport is the undisputed pillar of extracurricular life. The partnership with Peterborough United is genuine and impactful. The school hosts the club's academy training, meaning the 3G pitch and grass surfaces are maintained to professional standards. School teams benefit from this infrastructure. Football is naturally dominant, with teams competing successfully in county and national cups, but netball, basketball, and athletics also thrive.

Performing Arts

Drama and music provide the counterweight to sport. The school puts on an annual production that involves significant numbers of students in cast and crew roles. Recent performances have utilized the main hall's professional-grade lighting and sound rig. Music tuition is available for a range of instruments, and the school band performs at local community events.

STEM and Societies

Beyond the pitch and stage, the Science Club is popular with lower school students, often involving messy experiments that don't fit into the standard curriculum. The Eco-Committee has been active in improving the school's recycling and green credentials, leveraging the site's proximity to the nature reserve for fieldwork and projects.

The school day begins at 8:40am and formal lessons conclude at 2:45pm (Mon-Thu) or 3:00pm. However, the campus remains busy well after this time due to Session 6 activities, which typically run until 4:00pm.

Transport is largely facilitated by the local bus network, with specific routes serving the Orton and Hampton areas. Cycling is encouraged, with ample storage available, and the location on Oundle Road connects well to Peterborough's "Green Wheel" cycle network.

Oversubscription risks. With nearly two applications for every place, this is not a safe backup option for families outside the immediate catchment area. Families living in the Hamptons or further east should check historical distance data carefully before using a preference here.

Sports focus intensity. The culture of the school is heavily influenced by sport. While the arts are supported, a student with zero interest in physical activity might find the prevailing enthusiasm for football and fixtures slightly alienating, though the inclusive ethos strives to value all contributions.

Large campus environment. The site is big and the student body is large. Students moving from very small primary schools may find the scale initially daunting, though the House system is designed to mitigate this.

Nene Park Academy creates a dynamic balance between being a community comprehensive and a centre for sporting aspiration. Results are solid, progress is above average, and the facilities are excellent. Best suited to local families who value a structured, active environment where academic progress goes hand-in-hand with character development. The main challenge is securing a place if you live outside the immediate Orton postcode.