Stanground Academy Review 2026: Value-Added Progress in Peterborough

Sitting on the south-eastern edge of Peterborough, Stanground Academy dominates its skyline with a modern, glass-fronted main building that signals its intent. As part of the Greenwood Academies Trust, this large comprehensive school serves a diverse catchment of 1,800 students with a clear focus on structure and aspiration. While attainment figures sit in line with national norms, the progress students make from their starting points is a distinct strength.

The sheer scale of the site allows for impressive facilities, including a leisure centre with a swimming pool that serves both the school and the local community. It is a school that feels busy and purposeful, driven by a leadership team that has stabilised the ship and focused heavily on high expectations in recent years. For families in PE7, it offers a robust mainstream education where the published figures suggest children are likely to outperform their predicted grades by age 16.

The first impression upon passing through the gates is one of scale. The campus underwent a massive redevelopment in the early 2010s, replacing aging blocks with a curved, contemporary structure that houses the majority of learning spaces. This architectural shift has created a learning environment that feels more corporate than collegiate; corridors are wide, light is abundant, and the layout is designed for efficient movement of large numbers.

Mr Matthew Van Lier, the Executive Principal, leads with a steady hand, emphasising a culture of "high expectations" and "no excuses". His tenure has been marked by a tightening of behavioural standards, a move that parents generally welcome. The academy operates within the well-oiled machinery of the Greenwood Academies Trust (GAT), and the benefits of this large network are visible in the standardised policies and shared resources.

The atmosphere is energetic. With nearly 2,000 young people on site, it is rarely quiet, yet the zoning of the building manages the flow well. There is a palpable sense of structure here; bells, line-ups, and staff visibility are key features of the daily rhythm. The school promotes its STARS values—Safe, Teachable, Aspirational, Resilient, Sociable—which underpin the daily routine. It does not feel like a "soft" school; the ethos is firmly rooted in respect and readiness to learn.

The academic narrative at Stanground Academy is defined by the "value-added" metric. In 2024, the school posted a Progress 8 score of +0.31. This is a significant indicator for parents; it means that, on average, students here achieve a third of a grade higher across their subjects than students with similar primary school results nationally. While raw attainment can be influenced by intake, this positive progress score demonstrates that the teaching adds genuine value.

In terms of raw grades, the picture reflects a mixed-ability intake. The average Attainment 8 score was 45.0, sitting just below the England average of 45.9. Ranked 2,485th in England and 9th in Peterborough for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), performance sits in the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band).

The percentage of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths is solid, though the percentage achieving the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at Grade 5 or above was 7.6%. This is lower than some local competitors and suggests that while core progress is good, high-level passes across the full suite of EBacc subjects (including languages and humanities) are less common.

Sixth form performance presents a different challenge. The A-level outcomes for 2024 show a profile that trails the main school's success. With 27.38% of grades at A*-B, the sixth form sits significantly below the England average of 47.2%. Ranked 2,086th in England and 13th in Peterborough for A-level outcomes, the provision sits in the bottom 40% of schools in England (national lower band). While the sixth form offers continuity and pastoral stability, academically ambitious students aiming for top-tier universities may need to weigh these results carefully against other local post-16 options.

The curriculum at Stanground is broad and follows the National Curriculum closely, with a three-year Key Stage 3 allowing for depth before GCSE choices are made. The Greenwood Academies Trust model heavily influences the pedagogical approach; lessons are structured, learning objectives are explicit, and there is a consistent "GAT way" of doing things. This ensures a baseline of quality and consistency; you are unlikely to find rogue teaching styles here.

Subject expertise is generally strong, particularly in the core faculties of English and Mathematics, which benefit from stable staffing. The sciences are taught in well-equipped laboratories that were part of the new build, allowing for plenty of practical work. The school has also maintained a commitment to the arts, with drama and music facilities that are better than many state comprehensives.

Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is coordinated through a dedicated department. The "Hub" provides a sanctuary for those who find the large main building overwhelming. Teaching assistants are deployed strategically, often focusing on Year 7 catch-up literacy and numeracy to ensure students can access the secondary curriculum.

For a large portion of the cohort, Stanground Academy is a seven-year journey. However, the retention rate into the Sixth Form varies, with some students opting for purely vocational courses at Peterborough College.

Data for the 2024 leavers cohort shows diverse pathways. 42% of leavers progressed to university, a figure that reflects a healthy aspiration culture. However, the range of universities is broad, and the proportion accessing Russell Group institutions is typically lower than in selective grammar schools in the region.

Employment is a significant destination, with 25% of leavers moving directly into the workforce. This is well above the national average and speaks to the school's effective careers advice and strong links with local employers. 6% of students secured apprenticeships, a pathway the school promotes actively.

Admissions are coordinated by Peterborough City Council. Stanground Academy is a popular choice for families in the south of the city and into the bordering villages of Cambridgeshire.

Demand is high. In 2024, the school received 407 applications for its 280 Year 7 places. With a subscription proportion of 1.45 applications per place, the school is Oversubscribed. While not as fiercely competitive as some of the city's faith schools, securing a place is not guaranteed.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children and siblings first. Following this, geography is the deciding factor. The school does not publish a fixed catchment map, but places are allocated based on straight-line distance from the academy. Families living in Stanground, Farcet, and Cardea generally fall within the safe zone. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

In a school of 1,800 students, the danger is always that a quiet child might become invisible. Stanground combats this with a vertical tutoring system in some phases and a strong House system that breaks the large population down into manageable communities. The Houses provide the competitive structure for sports and charity events, fostering a sense of belonging.

The pastoral team includes non-teaching Student Support Advisors who are available throughout the day. This is a crucial asset; it means student issues can be dealt with immediately without waiting for a teacher to finish a lesson. The school takes bullying seriously, utilising an electronic reporting system that allows students to flag concerns discreetly.

Mental health support has been bolstered recently, with access to counselling services and a "wellbeing champion" network among the student body. The transition from primary school is handled with particular care; the summer school programme is well-attended and helps Year 6 pupils navigate the sheer size of the building before September.

The extracurricular offer is a major beneficiary of the school's scale and facilities. Sport is a central pillar. The on-site leisure centre, which includes a 25-metre swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness suite, allows for a PE curriculum that goes far beyond football and netball. Swimming lessons are part of the curriculum for younger years, a rarity in state secondary education. The 3G floodlit pitch ensures fixtures continue through the winter months.

Music and performing arts are vibrant. The school puts on an annual production that utilises the professional-grade lighting and sound systems in the main hall. Recent years have seen ambitious performances involving large casts and live bands.

Clubs run extensively after school. You will find the expected options like Science Club and Debate Club, but also niche interests catering to specific groups, such as the Coding Club. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered and is popular, with students completing expeditions in the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for the cost of uniforms, sports kits, and voluntary contributions for trips. Music lessons may incur a charge, though subsidies are often available for families on lower incomes.

The school day begins at 8:40am and finishes at 3:10pm. This standard day is extended for many students who stay for enrichment clubs or intervention sessions.

Transport is a key consideration. The academy is well-served by local bus routes, particularly the Citi 4 service which connects Stanground to the city centre. A significant number of students cycle, and the school provides ample secure bike storage to encourage this.

For parents, communication is primarily digital. The "My Child at School" app is the portal for behaviour points, attendance, and reports. Uniform is strict—blazers and ties are non-negotiable—and can be purchased from designated suppliers.

Size and scale. With 1,800 students, this is a large institution. For confident children, the size offers variety and opportunity. For those who are naturally quieter or easily overwhelmed, the busy corridors and large lunch halls can be daunting.

Sixth Form outcomes. While GCSE progress is strong, the A-level results lag behind. Families should not assume that the high value-added at age 16 automatically translates to age 18. Ambitious students should review the specific subject results at A-level before committing to the Sixth Form.

Oversubscription risk. With 1.45 applications per place, Stanground is not a safety school. Families living on the periphery of the natural catchment area should ensure they have a realistic backup option on their Common Application Form.

Strict behavioural codes. The "no excuses" culture is real. Uniform infractions or lateness are sanctioned quickly. This suits families who want strict discipline, but can be a source of friction for those who prefer a more relaxed approach.

Stanground Academy is a school that knows exactly what it is doing at Key Stage 3 and 4. The positive Progress 8 score is the headline here; it proves that the school effectively pushes students to achieve more than their background data might predict. The modern buildings and leisure facilities are exceptional for a state school. Best suited to families in the local area looking for a disciplined, well-resourced comprehensive that delivers solid GCSE outcomes. The main challenges are the sheer size of the student body and the weaker performance at A-level.