Sheffield Springs Academy Review 2026: A Community-Focused School with Clear Ambition

Sheffield Springs Academy serves as a pivotal educational hub in the Hackenthorpe area of Sheffield, providing a co-educational secondary experience for students aged 11 to 16. As part of United Learning, one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England, the academy benefits from a significant network of professional support and shared resources. The school operates with a capacity of 1,050 students, creating a large, bustling environment where diversity and community are central themes.

The current principal, Claire Cartledge, has overseen a period of stability and development at the academy. Under her leadership, the school has maintained a consistent focus on improving educational standards while providing a safe and inclusive environment for its students. The latest Ofsted inspection, conducted in October 2024, confirmed the academy's status as a Good school in all areas. This was a significant milestone, as it marked the first time the school received this rating across every category, including quality of education and behaviour and attitudes.

The atmosphere at Sheffield Springs Academy is one of purpose and clear expectations. The school’s Christian religious character is inclusive rather than denominational, informing a values-based approach to education that emphasises respect and personal responsibility. The academy operates from a modern building on Hurlfield Road, featuring wide corridors and specialist facilities designed to accommodate a broad secondary curriculum.

Behaviour across the school is generally calm and well-managed. Inspectors in 2024 noted that students enjoy their learning and benefit from a culture that stresses the importance of positive relationships. There is a visible sense of pride among the student body, often reflected in the high standards of uniform and the professional conduct observed during transitions between lessons. Students demonstrate a mature understanding of differences, contributing to a warm and welcoming social environment.

The academy’s identity is closely tied to its membership in United Learning. This connection is evident in the shared curriculum goals and the opportunities for staff to collaborate with peers across the country. For families, this means the school is supported by a robust administrative and educational framework that ensures consistency in teaching quality and safeguarding.

Academic performance at Sheffield Springs Academy reflects a school working hard to raise standards from its starting points. In the most recent published results, students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 33.7. This figure indicates the average achievement across eight key subjects, including English and mathematics.

The academy’s Progress 8 score is -0.62. This metric measures the progress students make from the end of primary school to the end of Year 11 compared to students with similar starting points across England. A score of -0.62 suggests that, on average, students at the academy achieve just over half a grade less than their peers nationally.

In terms of rankings, Sheffield Springs Academy is ranked 3,516th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 42nd among secondary schools in Sheffield. This performance places the academy in the national lower band, reflecting results that sit below the England average. However, it is important to note that the academy serves a community with varied starting points, and these figures represent a snapshot of a continuous journey toward academic improvement.

Teaching at Sheffield Springs Academy is characterised by a structured approach to lesson delivery. The 2024 inspection highlighted an ambitious curriculum where teachers use their subject knowledge to plan sequences of learning that build on what students already know. The curriculum is broad, offering a range of GCSE and vocational options to suit different interests and career aspirations.

In the EBacc (English Baccalaureate) subjects, 7.7% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in 2024. The average EBacc APS (Average Point Score) stands at 2.94, compared to the England average of 4.08. These figures highlight the academy's focus on ensuring students have access to a core academic curriculum, even as they work toward improving higher-level outcomes.

Reading is a significant priority within the school. Leaders have introduced various initiatives to support students who arrive with reading ages below their chronological age. This includes targeted interventions and a focus on literacy across all subject areas, ensuring that students can access the full breadth of the secondary curriculum.

STEM

The academy provides various opportunities for students to engage with STEM subjects outside of the standard timetable. The science department often hosts after-school sessions where students can conduct experiments that go beyond the GCSE specification, fostering curiosity about the natural world. Coding clubs and mathematics challenges are also regular features, allowing students to develop technical skills that are increasingly relevant in the modern job market.

Extracurricular Variety

The extracurricular programme at Sheffield Springs Academy is designed to be inclusive and varied. Sports are a major pillar of school life, with the academy fielding teams in football, netball, and athletics. The facilities include an indoor sports hall and outdoor pitches that are used for both competitive fixtures and recreational play.

The creative arts are also well-represented. The school frequently stages drama productions and musical performances, providing a platform for students to build confidence and express themselves. Specific clubs allow students to refine their talents under the guidance of specialist staff. The academy also encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which helps students develop resilience and teamwork skills.

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the academy. Each year group is supported by a dedicated pastoral team, including non-teaching heads of year who are available throughout the day to address student concerns. This structure ensures that issues such as bullying or emotional distress are identified and handled promptly.

The school’s Christian ethos supports a culture of care and inclusion. Students report feeling safe at school and knowing who to turn to if they have a problem. The latest inspection confirmed that safeguarding is effective, with leaders maintaining thorough records and ensuring that all staff are well-trained in identifying potential risks to student welfare.

Sheffield Springs Academy is a popular choice within its local area. For the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 391 applications for 237 available places. This resulted in a subscription proportion of 1.65, meaning there were significantly more applicants than there were spots in Year 7.

Admissions are coordinated by Sheffield City Council. After children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school and looked-after children, priority is generally given to those living within the designated catchment area and those with siblings already at the school. Parents interested in checking their proximity to the school can use the FindMySchool Map Search to view their distance relative to the local intake.

Where Students Go Next

As the academy does not have its own sixth form, students transition to local colleges or sixth form providers at the end of Year 11. Popular destinations include Sheffield College and other nearby providers where students pursue A-levels, T-levels, or apprenticeships.

The academy provides careers guidance starting in the earlier years, helping students to understand the various pathways available to them. This includes visits to local universities and employers, as well as one-to-one sessions with careers advisors to discuss specific goals and entry requirements for post-16 study.

The school day at Sheffield Springs Academy typically begins at 8:25am and concludes at 2:50pm, with various after-school clubs extending until 4:00pm. The academy is located on Hurlfield Road in Hackenthorpe, with several local bus routes providing access for students who do not live within walking distance. On-site parking is limited and primarily reserved for staff and visitors.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded academy; therefore, there are no tuition fees for students. Admission is based on the criteria set out by Sheffield City Council rather than financial means. While there are no fees for the core education, families should budget for costs associated with school uniform, optional educational trips, and specialized music tuition if requested.

• Academic Performance Trends: While the academy is rated Good by Ofsted, its current GCSE results sit below the England average. Families should look at the progress students make from their individual starting points rather than just the raw attainment scores.
• High Demand for Places: With 1.65 applications for every place offered, the school is oversubscribed. Living within the immediate catchment area is often necessary to secure a place during the main transition period.
• Recent Improvement: The 2024 Good rating is the first time the school has hit this benchmark in all categories. This indicates a school on a very positive trajectory, but one that is still consolidating its recent successes.

Sheffield Springs Academy is a school that prides itself on its community links and its inclusive atmosphere. It suits families who are looking for a supportive environment where pastoral care is a priority and where students are encouraged to be part of a large, diverse community. While academic results are still on an upward trajectory, the academy provides a safe and ambitious setting for students to begin their secondary journey. It is best suited to local students who thrive in a structured, values-led environment. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.