Longsands Academy: A New Chapter of Standards

Sitting on a sprawling campus in St Neots, Longsands Academy has been a fixture of Cambridgeshire education since 1960. Since joining the Astrea Academy Trust in 2018, the school has undergone a significant cultural shift, moving towards a "knowledge-rich" curriculum and a stricter behavioural framework. With nearly 1,700 students, it is a large comprehensive that serves as a central pillar of the local community.

The school's trajectory has been one of sharpening standards. In September 2025, Mr Francis Bray took up the post of Executive Principal, bringing fresh leadership to an institution that had already secured a Good rating from Ofsted in February 2024. The inspection praised the school's ambitious curriculum and the calm, orderly environment that has replaced the looser structures of the past.

The first thing visitors notice is the "Morning Welcome." Staff meet students at the gates to check uniform and readiness before the day begins, a routine that signals the school's insistence on order. The campus itself is a mix of 1960s blocks and newer additions, including a dedicated Sixth Form centre. While the architecture varies, the atmosphere is consistent: corridors are quiet during lesson times, and movement is managed carefully.

The House system—Austen, Darwin, Hawking, Seacole, and Turing—breaks the large student body into smaller communities, fostering a sense of belonging that can otherwise be lost in such a large school. Each house has its own identity and competes in everything from sports to attendance challenges.

Under the Astrea trust, the classroom culture has become highly structured. Lessons often use standardised booklets to ensuring every student receives the same high-quality content regardless of their class. This approach reduces variability but creates a very specific academic feel; it is disciplined, teacher-led, and focused on the retention of knowledge.

In 2024, Longsands Academy delivered solid results that reinforce its status as a strong local option. The school ranks 1,333rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among secondary schools in St Neots, confirming its position as the academic leader in the immediate town.

The Progress 8 score of +0.13 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points compared to peers across England. This is a crucial metric, showing that the school adds value for students of all abilities, not just the high attainers.

Attainment is also respectable. The average Attainment 8 score of 47.5 exceeds the England average of 45.9. In the core academic subjects, 27% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), reflecting the school's push for students to take rigorous combinations of history, geography, and languages.

Performance sits in the national typical band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The "knowledge-rich" philosophy drives teaching here. In practice, this means lessons prioritise direct instruction over discovery learning. "Do Now" activities start every class, testing recall of previous work to build long-term memory. The curriculum is sequenced carefully so that concepts in Year 7 build logically towards GCSEs in Year 11.

Science and mathematics are clear strengths, supported by a suite of laboratories and a curriculum that does not shy away from complexity. In English, the text choices are ambitious, exposing students to canonical literature early in their secondary career.

Assessment is frequent but low-stakes. Students are tested regularly on core knowledge to ensure it "sticks." Parents should expect a traditional approach where the teacher is the expert in the room and focus is absolute.

The Astrea Sixth Form St Neots is based on the Longsands campus but operates with a distinct identity. Ranked 1,363rd in England and 1st in St Neots for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), it offers a serious academic pathway without the need to commute to Cambridge.

In 2024, nearly half of all grades (46%) were A*-B, a strong showing for a non-selective provider. The percentage of top grades (A*-A) stood at 17%. The curriculum blends traditional A-levels with vocational options in subjects like Sport and Business, catering to a wide range of career interests.

Facilities are set to improve further, with a refurbishment of the Sixth Form block planned for completion in 2026. Students here enjoy greater independence than the lower school, with their own café and study zones, but the expectation of "scholarly" conduct remains.

The school supports ambitious university applications effectively. In the 2024 cycle, 10 students applied to Oxford or Cambridge, with 3 receiving offers and 1 securing a final place. This pipeline to elite universities is a testament to the academic rigour at the top end of the cohort.

Destinations are broad. While 40% of leavers progress to university, a significant number (39%) move directly into employment, benefiting from the school's strong links with local industry. Apprenticeships account for 5% of leavers, offering a debt-free route into careers like engineering and accountancy.

Admissions are coordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council. Longsands is a popular school and is currently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, it received 335 applications for 254 places, a ratio of 1.3 applications per place.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and children of staff. Remaining places are allocated by straight-line distance. The school serves a defined catchment in St Neots and the surrounding villages, including Great Paxton and Little Paxton.

Families applying for Year 7 entry in September 2026 must apply by 31 October 2025. National Offer Day is 1 March 2026. Given the demand, families living on the edge of the catchment area should not assume a place is guaranteed.

Pastoral care is delivered through the House system and tutor groups. Tutors see their students every morning, providing a consistent point of contact. A dedicated Student Services team handles day-to-day welfare issues, ensuring that teachers can focus on teaching.

The 2023 Ofsted report noted that students feel safe and that bullying is rare. When it does occur, students are confident that staff will deal with it. The strict behaviour policy contributes to this sense of safety; by removing low-level disruption, the school creates a calmer environment for vulnerable students.

Extracurricular life is rebuilding momentum. Sport is a major feature, with the academy using its extensive fields and sports hall to field competitive teams in football, rugby, and netball. The "Astrea Olympics" brings students together from across the trust to compete.

The arts are well-represented, with annual productions utilising the school stage. Music tuition is available, and there are various clubs ranging from coding to debating. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with many students completing Bronze and Silver expeditions in the local countryside.

The school day starts at 8:40am, though students are expected on site earlier for the morning welcome. Lessons finish at 3:10pm.

Located on Longsands Road, the site is easily accessible by foot or cycle for most St Neots residents. School buses serve the outlying villages. Parents should check eligibility for transport assistance with the county council.

Strict Behaviour Culture. The school operates a "warm/strict" approach. Rules on uniform, equipment, and conduct are enforced rigorously. This suits many children who thrive on certainty, but it can be a culture shock for those used to a more relaxed environment.

Large School Scale. With nearly 1,700 students, Longsands is a big institution. The House system breaks this down, but students still need a degree of independence to navigate the site and the timetable.

Curriculum Style. The "knowledge-rich" approach involves a lot of direct instruction and booklet work. It is highly effective for exams but less focused on project work or creative exploration than some other educational philosophies.

Admissions Pressure. With 1.3 applications per place, securing a spot is competitive. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Longsands Academy offers a disciplined, academic education that has clearly turned a corner under Astrea's stewardship. With a Good Ofsted rating and strong local results, it is the premier non-selective choice in St Neots. Best suited to families who value high expectations, clear rules, and a traditional approach to learning. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular school.