Outwood Academy Foxhills: High-Impact Progress in Scunthorpe

In the industrial landscape of Scunthorpe, Outwood Academy Foxhills stands as a testament to the power of structured, disciplinarian education. Part of the renowned Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) since 2011, this co-educational secondary school serves approximately 750 students aged 11 to 16. The school's reputation is built not on soft focus but on hard data; while raw attainment reflects the challenging local context, the progress students make here is exceptional.

The "Students First" motto is operationalised through the Trust's signature systems: vertical tutoring, the "Praising Stars" assessment cycle, and a behaviour policy that leaves nothing to chance. For local families, Foxhills represents a specific trade-off: strict adherence to rules in exchange for outcomes that significantly exceed expectations based on starting points.

The atmosphere at Foxhills is purposeful, orderly, and distinctively "Outwood". Visitors familiar with other academies in the Trust will recognise the branding, the systems, and the palpable sense of urgency. The corridors are calm, a direct result of the strict behaviour codes that govern movement and conduct.

Mrs Tracy Motson, the Principal, leads a tight ship. The school operates on the belief that rigorous structure liberates students to learn. This is not a relaxed environment where rules are negotiable; it is a place of high expectations where uniform checks are routine and punctuality is non-negotiable. For some students, this consistency provides a welcome sanctuary; for others, the rigidity can feel stifling.

The "Deeps" structure organises the school's leadership into specific strands: Deep Learning, Deep Support, and Deep Experience. This ensures that pastoral care and academic intervention are not bolt-ons but central pillars of the school's daily operation. The building itself, situated on Foxhills Road, is functional and well-maintained, designed to facilitate supervision and swift movement between lessons.

The academic story at Foxhills is one of significant value-added. The school’s performance data reveals a crucial distinction between raw grades and progress made.

In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.5. This metric is the headline success story. It indicates that, on average, students at Foxhills achieve half a grade higher across all subjects than students with similar starting points nationally. In the context of state education, this is a remarkable achievement, suggesting the school adds substantial academic value to every child, regardless of ability.

Raw attainment figures provide the other half of the picture. The average Attainment 8 score was 43.1, slightly below the England average of 45.9. Similarly, 21.1% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc), compared to the national average of roughly 40%. These figures reflect the comprehensive intake and the lower prior attainment of many joiners.

Ranked 1993rd in England for attainment, the school sits in the "national typical" band (middle 35%). However, locally it performs strongly, ranking 3rd among secondary schools in Scunthorpe. The disparity between the "typical" attainment rank and the "strong" progress score confirms that the teaching effectively bridges gaps.

The curriculum is delivered with the efficiency characteristic of the Trust. Lessons follow a standard instructional model, ensuring consistency across subjects. If a student moves from geography to history, the learning routines—from the "Do Now" starter activity to the plenary—remain familiar. This reduces cognitive load, allowing students to focus on content rather than guessing the teacher's preferred style.

Mathematics and English are given priority in the timetable, reflecting their importance in the "Praising Stars" tracking system. This system monitors every student’s progress every half-term, triggering immediate interventions for those falling behind. Support is often delivered through "period 6" sessions; these are after-school lessons that are effectively compulsory for students needing to close gaps.

The curriculum covers the National Curriculum but narrows significantly in Key Stage 4 to focus on GCSE outcomes. While this ensures maximised grades, it can limit the breadth of study compared to schools with less pressure on league table position. The Ebacc entry rate is monitored, though the focus remains heavily on English and Maths mastery.

Pastoral care is structured through Vertical Mentor Groups (VMG). Unlike most schools where form groups are same-age, Foxhills mixes students from Year 7 to Year 11 in the same tutor group. This "family" structure encourages peer mentoring; older students guide younger ones, and bullying is reduced as year-group silos are broken down.

The consequence system is binary and swift. Positive behaviour is celebrated through the "Praising Stars" assembly, where achievements are recognised publicly. Negative behaviour meets an escalating scale of sanctions, known as the "C-system" (C1, C2, C3). Parents receive reports every half-term, providing a regular pulse-check on their child’s effort, behaviour, and homework.

Wellbeing support is integrated into the "Deep Support" strand. The Bridge provides a space for vulnerable students or those returning from absence, offering a softer landing than the main classroom environment.

Extracurricular life, termed "Deep Experience", aims to broaden horizons beyond Scunthorpe. The activities programme includes sports, performing arts, and subject-specific clubs.

Sport is a traditional strength, with teams competing in local North Lincolnshire leagues. The facilities support a range of activities including football, netball, and athletics. The Performing Arts department is active, with annual productions that bring the "Vertical" colleges together.

Enrichment is not just recreational; it is often tied to raising aspirations. Trips to universities, visiting speakers, and careers events are programmed to ensure students understand the pathways available post-16. However, the intensity of the academic intervention programme (Period 6) can sometimes compete with leisure time for Year 11 students.

Admission to Outwood Academy Foxhills is coordinated by North Lincolnshire Council. The school is a popular choice in the area; in the most recent intake, it was oversubscribed, receiving 286 applications for 149 places. This results in a subscription ratio of nearly 2 applications per place.

The admissions policy follows standard strictures: looked-after children and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school are admitted first. Subsequent priority is given to siblings of current students, followed by children living in the catchment area, and finally by distance from the school.

The last distance offered is not permanently fixed and varies annually based on the distribution of applicants. Families living outside the immediate Foxhills/Scunthorpe catchment should check historical cut-off points with the Local Authority, as proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

As an 11-16 school, there is no Sixth Form on site. This necessitates a move at the end of Year 11. The transition process is managed carefully, with independent careers advice provided from Year 9 onwards.

The majority of students progress to local further education providers. John Leggott College and North Lindsey College are the primary destinations, offering a mix of A-levels and vocational courses. A smaller number travel further afield to Wyke Sixth Form College in Hull.

The strong Progress 8 scores mean that many students leave with the grades required to access Level 3 (A-level or equivalent) courses, having caught up significantly during their five years at the academy.

The school day typically begins at 8:25 am with registration or assembly. The core day finishes at 2:30 pm, but the "Enrichment" or "Period 6" hour extends the day for many students, particularly in Year 11.

Uniform is strictly enforced: black blazer with school logo, white shirt, black trousers or skirt (of a specific style), and the school tie. Mobile phones are banned and must not be seen or heard on site.

The site is located to the north of Scunthorpe town centre, accessible via local bus routes. Parking for parents is limited, and the roads around the school can be congested at drop-off times.

Strict Behaviour Policy: The Outwood approach to discipline is zero-tolerance. Rules regarding uniform, movement, and conduct are enforced rigidly. Families who believe in a more liberal or negotiated approach to discipline may find this environment abrasive.

No Sixth Form: Students must move institution at 16. While this offers a fresh start and a college environment, it breaks the continuity of education that an 11-18 school provides.

Focus on Data: The relentless focus on progress data and "Praising Stars" ensures no child is left behind, but some critics argue it can feel like an examination factory. Parents should consider if their child thrives on constant assessment or finds it stressful.

Stale Inspection Report: The school's Outstanding rating dates from November 2022. While this is the latest report, families should be aware that the inspection framework continues to evolve, and they should view current progress data alongside the rating.

Outwood Academy Foxhills is a machine for progress. It takes students from diverse starting points and adds significant value through a combination of strict discipline, consistent teaching, and rigorous tracking. It is best suited to families who value order, clarity, and results over creativity or relaxation. For a child who needs structure to thrive, it is arguably the most effective option in Scunthorpe. The main challenge is accepting the non-negotiable nature of the Trust's rules.