Chapeltown Academy serves as a purposeful, adult-to-adult learning environment for students across North Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Located in the Hydra Business Park, it provides a distinctive bridge between school and university, operating without the younger cohorts found in traditional secondary settings. The academy achieved a Good rating from Ofsted in October 2024, with inspectors highlighting its supportive culture and ambitious curriculum. With a growing reputation and a planned capacity increase starting in September 2025, it remains a vital specialist hub for post-16 academic and vocational studies.
The atmosphere at Chapeltown Academy is deliberately professional. Based in a converted business unit, the physical setting feels more like a modern college or university department than a school. Students do not wear uniform, and the academy prides itself on a culture of mutual respect where students are treated as young adults.
Dominic Pinto, the newly appointed Principal as of early 2024, has focused on a improvement journey designed to foster high aspirations. The academy is part of the Minerva Learning Trust, which provides a broader network of support. Despite its business-park location, the academy maintains a nurturing feel; pupils are described as motivated and well-supported by a staff team that balances academic pressure with genuine care for personal growth.
The academy has seen a notable upward trajectory in its performance. In 2025, A-level results showed significant improvements, with A* to A grades increasing by 5% and A* to B grades rising by 7% compared to the previous year. According to the most recent FindMySchool proprietary rankings, Chapeltown Academy ranks 20th in Sheffield and 2,006th in England for A-level outcomes.
While historically sititng in the national lower percentile band for raw A-level scores, the latest 2025 data indicates a closing gap. The academy outperformed national trends in high-grade measures this past year, reflecting the "transformative changes" cited by the Minerva Learning Trust leadership.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
31.3%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The curriculum at Chapeltown is predominantly academic, though it has recently expanded to include an increasing range of vocational Level 3 qualifications. Teachers are subject specialists who are praised by Ofsted for their technical knowledge and their ability to teach the advanced skills required for A-level success.
Classes are typically smaller than in many large sixth form colleges, allowing for a seminar-style approach to learning. The academy also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which encourages students to develop the independent research and project management skills highly sought after by top-tier universities.
STEM subjects are a pillar of the academic offer, with dedicated pathways for those pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, and computer science. The academy participates in the National Cipher Challenge, an elite code-breaking competition that sharpens logical and mathematical skills.
The curriculum for Science and Mathematics is rigorous, with further mathematics requiring a minimum grade 8 at GCSE to ensure students are equipped for the pace of the course. Modern IT facilities and a commitment to technical skill development ensure that students are well-prepared for the digital requirements of modern industry and higher education.
The academy recently launched a dynamic new enrichment programme to foster personal growth outside of exam results. Students can participate in a variety of clubs including:
Chapeltown Academy is a popular choice for students across the city. Applications are made directly to the academy or via the Sheffield Progress portal.
Progression is a central focus of the academy's mission. Career planning is tailored to each student through the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme.
As a state-funded sixth form academy, there are no tuition fees at Chapeltown Academy. It is free to all eligible students aged 16 to 19.
The academy is located at the Hydra Business Park in Chapeltown, North Sheffield. It is easily accessible by bus and is a short walk from Chapeltown train station, making it a viable option for students from Barnsley and Rotherham as well as Sheffield. There are no on-site nursery or boarding facilities as this is a post-16 only provider.
Chapeltown Academy is a focused and increasingly successful post-16 provider that suits students looking for an academic challenge without the traditional school feel. Its recent Good Ofsted rating and rising A-level results demonstrate a school on an upward trajectory. Best suited to ambitious students who value being treated as adults and are focused on progressing to university or higher apprenticeships.
Yes, Chapeltown Academy is currently rated Good by Ofsted (October 2024). Inspectors praised the school for its ambitious curriculum, the motivation of its students, and the strong expertise of the teaching staff.
There are no fees. Chapeltown Academy is a state-funded free school for 16 to 19-year-olds, meaning the education provided is free of charge.
The standard entry requirement is five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics. However, many A-level subjects require a grade 6 or higher to ensure you can cope with the advanced Level 3 content.
While the academy does not run its own buses, it is very well-connected. It is situated near Chapeltown station and major bus routes, and students can apply for the 16 to 19 Bursary to help cover travel costs.
While the academy is primarily an A-level provider, it has recently expanded its curriculum to include Level 3 vocational qualifications and BTECs, allowing students to study a mix of academic and vocational subjects.
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