Brinsworth Academy Review 2026: A Community-Focused Secondary in Rotherham

Situated on Brinsworth Road, Brinsworth Academy serves as a central hub for secondary education in this part of South Yorkshire. The school caters to students aged 11 to 18 and has established itself as a stable presence in the local community. With a capacity of nearly 1,500 students, it is a large, bustling environment that reflects the diversity and character of Rotherham.

The academy joined the New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT) in recent years, a move designed to strengthen its sixth form provision and share teaching expertise across the region. While the school operates with a non-selective intake, it maintains a clear focus on "Achieving Excellence", a motto that appears frequently in assembly halls and newsletters. The most recent Ofsted inspection judged the school to be Good, noting a calm atmosphere and respectful relationships between staff and students.

For families in Brinsworth and the surrounding areas, the academy offers a comprehensive education that balances academic GCSEs with strong vocational options. It is not an exam factory; the published figures suggest a school that serves a mixed-ability cohort with varying needs, prioritizing inclusivity alongside academic progress.

First impressions of Brinsworth Academy reveal a site that has evolved significantly over time. The campus is a mix of older, functional blocks and newer, purpose-built facilities that have been added to accommodate a growing roll. At drop-off, the gates on Brinsworth Road are a hive of activity. Students arrive in a smart uniform of black blazers and ties, and staff are visibly present at the gates, setting a tone of orderly conduct from the start of the day.

Hannah Thornton, the Principal, leads the school with a focus on high standards and community engagement. Her leadership has been characterized by a drive to refine behaviour policies and ensure that the curriculum remains ambitious for all students, regardless of their starting points. The atmosphere within the corridors is generally described as purposeful. The inspection report highlighted that students feel safe and that bullying is rare, with staff dealing with any incidents effectively when they do occur.

The school operates within the New Collaborative Learning Trust structure, which brings a specific ethos centered on collaboration. This partnership is particularly felt in the upper years, where the connection to a wider network of colleges provides students with broader perspectives. Despite its size, the school manages to maintain a sense of community. The House system plays a role here, breaking down the large student body into smaller, more manageable groups for competitions and charity events. This fosters a sense of belonging that is crucial in a school of this scale.

Students here are encouraged to take responsibility. Student leadership roles, such as the Student Council and peer mentors, are active and visible. These are not merely symbolic titles; students are involved in feedback on school lunches, uniform codes, and environmental initiatives. The ethos is one of mutual respect. Teachers expect students to arrive ready to learn, and in return, students report that staff are approachable and willing to offer extra help outside of formal lesson times. The core values of being "Respectful, Responsible, and Resilient" are embedded in daily routines.

The academic picture at Brinsworth Academy reflects its commitment to a comprehensive intake. In the 2024 examination series, the school's results indicate a solid performance that sits slightly below the England average, consistent with its inclusive admissions policy.

GCSE Performance

The school ranks 2,870th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 9th among secondary schools in Rotherham. This places the academy in the lower 40% of schools in England, meaning performance is below the England average but competitive within the local context.

In terms of specific metrics, the average Attainment 8 score was 43.1. This is close to, though slightly lower than, the England average of 45.9. This metric measures the average grade a student achieves across eight subjects. The score suggests that while many students achieve good passes, the proportion of top grades is lower than in selective or high-performing affluent schools.

Progress 8, a measure of the progress students make from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school, stands at -0.22. A score of 0.0 represents average progress. A score of -0.22 indicates that students achieve, on average, roughly a fifth of a grade lower in each subject compared to students with similar starting points nationally. While this is below average, it is not significantly so, and suggests that teaching is generally effective for the majority of the cohort.

The percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) combination of subjects was 4.4%. This is notably lower than the England average. However, this figure often reflects a curriculum decision to prioritize vocational or creative subjects over the strict EBacc combination (English, maths, science, a language, and history/geography) for certain students, rather than a lack of ability.

A-Level & Sixth Form Performance

At post-16, the picture strengthens. The sixth form ranks 1,639th in England and 3rd in Rotherham for A-level outcomes.

In 2024, 40.9% of A-level grades were A*-B. While this is below the England average of 47.2%, it represents a credible performance for a comprehensive sixth form. The proportion of top grades (A*/A) was 18.8% (combined A* 2.7% and A 16.1%), showing that high-achieving students can and do secure excellent outcomes here.

Notably, the school successfully supports diverse pathways. The retention of students into the sixth form is healthy, and the curriculum offer at this stage is broad enough to accommodate varying interests.

The curriculum at Brinsworth Academy is designed to be broad and balanced, covering the requirements of the National Curriculum while allowing for local flexibility. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), students study a wide range of subjects including art, drama, music, and technology alongside core academic subjects. This breadth is maintained to ensure students have a solid foundation before making GCSE choices.

Teaching is structured and follows consistent routines. Lessons typically begin with retrieval practice to consolidate prior learning, a pedagogical approach that has been embedded across the school to support long-term memory. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, particularly in core departments like English and mathematics. In Science, practical work is frequent, utilizing the school's well-equipped laboratories.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a priority. The learning support department works closely with teaching staff to ensure that lessons are accessible. Teaching assistants are deployed effectively, not just to hover over students, but to facilitate independent learning. The school uses a range of strategies to support literacy, recognizing that reading ability is the key to accessing the wider curriculum. Form time often includes guided reading sessions to foster a culture of literacy.

Assessment is regular but not overwhelming. Parents receive termly updates on progress, and the school uses online platforms to set and track homework. This digital approach allows parents to see exactly what work has been set, helping to bridge the gap between home and school.

Destinations data for Brinsworth Academy highlights the effectiveness of its careers guidance and sixth form provision. In 2024, 68% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university. This figure is healthy and suggests a strong culture of aspiration within the sixth form.

The academy has demonstrated that it can support students to the very highest levels of academia. In the most recent cycle, two students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing a place at the University of Cambridge. This 50% success rate for Oxbridge applicants is a testament to the personalized support available for high-potential students. It proves that for the most academically able, Brinsworth provides the necessary guidance to compete with students from any sector.

Beyond university, the school supports a variety of pathways. Apprenticeships accounted for 5% of leavers, while 14% moved directly into employment. The school organizes regular careers fairs and brings in external speakers from local industries to ensure students are aware of the opportunities available in the South Yorkshire region and beyond.

Admission to Brinsworth Academy for Year 7 is coordinated by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. As a state academy, there are no entrance exams for the main school.

Demand and Places

The school is popular and consistently oversubscribed. For the 2024 entry, there were 269 applications for 209 places. This results in a subscription ratio of approximately 1.3 applicants per place. Parents should be aware that simply living in Brinsworth does not guarantee a place if the school is heavily oversubscribed, although proximity is the primary determinant after looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are admitted.

The Process

Families must apply through the Rotherham Council admissions portal. The deadline for applications is typically 31 October for entry the following September. National Offer Day falls on 1 March.

Catchment and Criteria

While there is no fixed line on a map that never changes, the catchment area effectively radiates out from the school gates. The oversubscription criteria prioritize looked-after children, then children with siblings already at the school, and finally distance. Given the demand, families living further afield in Rotherham should consider realistic alternatives on their application form.

Pastoral care is organized around a year-group structure. Each year group is led by a Head of Year and supported by a non-teaching pastoral manager. This structure ensures that there is always someone available to deal with day-to-day issues that may arise, without the distraction of a teaching timetable.

Form tutors see students every morning. This daily contact point allows tutors to pick up on minor concerns before they escalate. The school places a strong emphasis on mental health and wellbeing. There are designated staff trained in mental health first aid, and the school works with external agencies to provide counselling for students who need more specialist support.

The school's behaviour policy is based on clear expectations and restorative practice. While sanctions are used when necessary, the focus is on helping students understand the impact of their actions. Parents generally report that the school is safe and that their children are happy, which is a fundamental indicator of successful pastoral care.

Life at Brinsworth extends well beyond the academic curriculum. The school runs a vibrant extracurricular programme that aims to cater to diverse interests.

Sport

Sports facilities are extensive and include a large sports hall, gym, and expansive playing fields. The PE department runs clubs for football, netball, rugby, and athletics. School teams compete regularly in Rotherham schools' leagues, and the academy has a history of sporting success at the local level.

Arts and Creativity

The arts are well represented. The drama department stages annual productions that involve students from all year groups, working not just as actors but also in lighting, sound, and stage management. Music tuition is available for a range of instruments, and there are various ensembles including a choir and a band that perform at school events and in the local community.

STEM and Enrichment

For students interested in science and technology, there are STEM clubs that run projects often linked to national competitions. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered and is popular, with many students completing their Bronze and Silver awards. This scheme is particularly valuable for building resilience and teamwork skills.

Trips and visits are a regular feature of the calendar. These range from geography field trips to the Peak District to theatre visits in Sheffield and London. The school also organizes overseas trips, such as ski trips and cultural visits to European cities, providing students with experiences they might not otherwise have.

School Day The school day typically runs from 8:25am to 2:55pm, with students expected to arrive by 8:00am. Breakfast service is available in the canteen before school starts, allowing students to eat and socialize in a safe environment.

Transport Located on Brinsworth Road, the academy is well-served by local bus routes connecting it to Rotherham town centre and Sheffield. Many students walk to school from the surrounding residential areas. There is limited on-site parking for parents, so drop-off and pick-up require consideration of local residents.

Uniform The uniform consists of a black blazer with the school logo, a white shirt, school tie, and black trousers or skirt. It is designed to be smart but affordable and widely available.

Competitive Entry With nearly 1.3 applications for every place, securing a spot at Brinsworth Academy is not guaranteed. Families living on the edge of the typical catchment area should check historical allocation distances and have a backup plan.

Mixed Performance Data While the school is rated Good and provides a supportive environment, raw academic metrics like Progress 8 (-0.22) and EBacc entry rates are below the England average. Parents looking for a highly academic "hothouse" environment might find the pace here more moderate, though the Oxbridge success shows high achievers are supported.

Large School Environment With nearly 1,500 students, the school is large. While the pastoral system breaks this down, quieter students may find the busy corridors and large year groups initially daunting compared to a smaller primary setting.

Brinsworth Academy is a solid, community-centered school that offers a well-rounded education. It balances academic rigour with strong vocational pathways and genuine care for student wellbeing. While raw results sit slightly below national averages, the Good Ofsted rating and successful university destinations prove it delivers for its students. Best suited to local families seeking a supportive, inclusive school with a strong sixth form connection. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular academy.