The Weston Road Academy Review 2026: State Academy for Secondary Excellence in Stafford

When Weston Road opened in 1979, it served East Stafford as a traditional comprehensive. Nearly half a century later, under the leadership of Mrs Ann Kingman since her appointment in 2021, the academy has evolved into a forward-thinking school where ambition meets accessibility. The 180-seat theatre echoes with the energy of student productions, the computing labs hum with innovation, and the broad playing fields stretch across East Staffordshire's landscape. Today, approximately 990 students aged 11–18 learn here in a school ranked solid across England by FindMySchool data, placing it comfortably in the middle performance tier (FindMySchool GCSE ranking: 2334th in England), yet with a genuinely strong sixth form result that sits above England average (FindMySchool A-level ranking: 618th, top 25% nationally).

The academy occupies a calm, structured environment where relationships between staff and students form the backbone of daily life. Staff know pupils well, and this translates into high levels of student satisfaction and a willingness to engage seriously with learning. Leadership maintains clear expectations around behaviour, which tend to be positive across lessons and throughout the school day. When occasional issues arise, staff respond promptly and fairly; bullying is rare and handled effectively. The inspection conducted in March 2023 confirmed the school's Good status and highlighted the care taken to support all learners, particularly those with special educational needs.

Mrs Kingman's leadership prioritises what might seem traditional in today's climate: respect, hard work, high expectations, and genuine community. Yet beneath this foundation lies something more contemporary. The academy values innovation in curriculum and pastoral care, having used its freedoms as a converter academy to develop practices suited to its population. Staff morale is notably high; leadership considers workload during change, and teachers take genuine pride in their work. The school colours are blue and gold, and a sense of purpose runs through the corridors.

The physical environment is modern and well-maintained. Specialist facilities include dedicated spaces for music, science, design and technology, art, ceramics, computing, and ICT. Beyond the classroom walls lie extensive playing fields and sports pitches that speak to the school's commitment to physical education and team sport.

GCSE Results and Progress

The school's GCSE performance places it in the middle tier nationally, requiring families to understand what this means in practical terms. In 2024, 70% of pupils achieved grade 4 or above (a standard pass) in their exams, with 52% reaching grade 5 or above (a strong pass). Looking at top grades, 17% of entries reached grade 7 or higher, while 7% secured grade 8 or 9. Pupils typically enter approximately 7.6 subjects.

In English and Mathematics specifically, 67% achieve standard passes in both subjects. Among pupils who entered secondary with high prior attainment, nearly all (97%) achieved strong passes in these core subjects, indicating that the school successfully supports top-achieving students. However, the school has identified that some pupils enter with lower literacy levels and has introduced targeted reading programmes to address this. This honest recognition of challenge and proactive response demonstrates leadership's commitment to progress across all ability ranges.

The Progress 8 score of -0.09 indicates that pupils make slightly below-average progress from their starting points. This is a metric worth monitoring closely; it suggests that while headline GCSE results are respectable, the school may need to focus on accelerating progress for certain cohorts.

A-Level and Sixth Form Excellence

The sixth form presents a markedly different picture. Here, results are notably stronger. At A-level, 30% of grades achieved A* or A, while approximately 60% reached A*-B. Over three-quarters secured C or above. These results place the academy in the top 25% of schools nationally for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking: 618th in England), a significant lift above the GCSE profile.

This strength at post-16 reflects strong teaching and high expectations set for older students. Value-added measures suggest that sixth form students achieve above what their GCSE results would predict, pointing to effective support and challenge during A-level study. The Stafford 14-19 Partnership, a collaboration between five schools, enables students to access a broad range of academic and vocational subjects beyond what any single institution could offer. This partnership has become integral to post-16 provision.

The curriculum is broad at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, preparing students well for their next steps beyond Year 11. Teaching across the school is characterised by clear structures and high expectations, with most lessons rated good or outstanding. The school has specialised in mathematics and computing for several years, reflecting a genuine commitment to these subjects. Computing facilities include over 300 computers networked throughout the academy, and the ICT teaching staff demonstrate genuine expertise.

The approach to homework is structured and proportionate. In Years 7–9, pupils receive one extended homework task per week alongside Mathematics and French homework, with reading expected daily. In Years 9–11, homework typically consists of one task per subject weekly, approximately one hour in length. Show My Homework, an online platform, allows pupils and parents to track and prioritise workload effectively. This balance between rigour and reasonableness reflects thinking about how to sustain learning habits without overwhelming young people.

Sixth form students benefit from personal tutoring; each student is assigned a tutor who mentors them through their course, guides university applications, helps with personal statements, and provides references. The school explicitly promotes supercurricular activities — extended reading, podcasts, lectures, museum visits, and academic competitions — to help students stand out in competitive university admissions. This scaffolding of ambition is particularly valuable for students whose families may not have direct experience of higher education.

A-Level Destinations and University Progression

In 2024, 60% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university. One student secured a place at Cambridge, reflecting modest but real Oxbridge success (the school recorded 1 Cambridge acceptance from 5 applications across all years measured). Beyond Oxbridge, the school works to support progression to strong universities, with particular success in facilitating student applications to demanding courses, particularly medicine. In a recent year, 18 students secured medical school places, indicating both strong science teaching and effective guidance around competitive degree programmes.

The school's position within the Stafford 14-19 Partnership enriches post-16 options significantly. Rather than being limited to subjects offered solely by Weston Road, students can access courses across five federated institutions, allowing greater specialisation and breadth.

Year 11 Destinations Beyond University

Beyond university, the 2024 cohort data shows that 10% of leavers progressed to apprenticeships and 14% entered employment. This diversity reflects the school's commitment to supporting a range of pathways, not just academic ones. Careers guidance is structured through a partnerships with employers and an online platform called Unifrog, which helps students explore options.

Secondary Entry (Year 7)

The school operates on a non-selective basis and is oversubscribed at the point of secondary entry. The primary admissions route is through Staffordshire County Council's coordinated admissions process. Students living within the catchment area receive priority, though no formal catchment boundary exists; instead, distance from the school gate determines allocation within the oversubscribed framework.

Entry into Year 7 is administered by the Local Authority. Parents wishing to apply should register through Staffordshire's admissions service by the published deadline (typically September for entry the following September).

Sixth Form Entry

Entry into the sixth form is also coordinated through Staffordshire. Students from Weston Road are expected to meet certain GCSE thresholds before progressing, though exact grade requirements vary by subject. Students from other schools can apply directly to the academy, and the sixth form explicitly welcomes external applicants.

The school offers multiple pathways for students to access support. A dedicated SENCO works four days weekly to coordinate provision for the approximately 45 pupils on the special educational needs register. A qualified counsellor visits weekly for students needing additional emotional support. The school holds the Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark for nurture provision, indicating formal recognition of its inclusive approach.

Behaviour management is firm but fair. Leaders set high expectations, and staff respond quickly and proportionately to any concerns. Safeguarding procedures are robust; staff are trained to identify risks and work closely with external agencies when needed. Parents report confidence in how the school handles bullying and behaviour concerns.

Participation in extracurricular activities is flourishing. The school explicitly encourages students to join clubs across a wide spectrum of interests. Named opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which pupils pursue to Gold level; sports teams including football, netball, and other traditional offerings; the Puzzle Club, Debating Club, and Coding Club; and extensive drama and musical performance opportunities.

Drama and Performance

The 180-seat theatre is a focal point for student creativity. The school produces substantial dramatic works; a recent production of We Will Rock You involved 120 students in cast and crew, showcasing genuine commitment to accessible theatrical experience rather than elite selection. The drama department offers Performing Arts Technical Award, Music GCSE, and Music BTEC Award at Key Stage 4, providing pathways for students serious about the arts.

Music

Music lessons run throughout the main school, with one 50-minute lesson per week at Key Stage 3. The performing arts department emphasises practical, creative learning and emotional wellbeing through musical expression. The school hosts specialist music studios and facilities for rehearsal and performance.

STEM and Computing

Reflecting the school's specialism, computer science teaching is rigorous and well-resourced. The 300+ networked computers, specialist ICT facilities, and dedicated staff create an environment where coding and computational thinking are treated as core skills. Coding clubs operate regularly, and students are encouraged to enter competitions and pursue independent projects.

Sports

Physical education is compulsory and taken seriously. The sports hall, gymnasium, and eight hard playing courts support rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, and netball. The extensive playing fields permit matches, fixtures, and PE lessons to continue throughout the year. Team fixtures are regular, and the school encourages representation at county level where talent emerges.

Service and Fundraising

Annual events include The Great Weston Charity Fun Run, held at the end of summer term, which raises funds for selected charities. In recent years, fundraising has supported causes including the Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance. This embeds civic responsibility and community service into school life.

The school day runs from 9:00am to 3:20pm. Years 7 and above transition to this standard timing; the timetable operates on a 30-period week with lessons delivered as either double or single periods.

Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, and after-school care is available until 6:00pm. Holiday club runs during main school holidays, providing year-round care for working families.

Free School Meals are available for families meeting eligibility criteria. A canteen provides diverse catering options, and students may bring packed lunches to eat in the dining facilities.

Transport links are good. The school is located on Blackheath Lane in East Stafford, serving the eastern portion of the town and nearby villages including Great Haywood, Little Haywood, Hopton, Weston, and Hixon. Local bus services connect the school to the town centre and beyond.

Middle-tier GCSE performance and Progress 8 concerns. Headline GCSE results place the school firmly in the middle range nationally. The Progress 8 score of -0.09, indicating slightly below-average progress from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4, warrants attention. Families should satisfy themselves that the school's strategies for accelerating progress are working, particularly for their child's expected ability. Monitoring your child's progress through parent consultations and regular communication with school is essential.

Oversubscribed at secondary entry. The school is popular locally, and places are competitive. If living outside the immediate area, securing entry cannot be assumed. Families should investigate catchment distance data and have alternative preferences ready.

Sixth form conditional on GCSE results. While the sixth form is strong, entry is conditional on meeting subject-specific grade requirements. Students with lower GCSE outcomes in key subjects may need to explore alternative providers within the Stafford partnership or beyond.

Literacy support ongoing. The school has identified that some pupils enter secondary with lower literacy levels and is actively addressing this through targeted programmes. While this is honest and appropriate, families should be aware that reading support may be a feature of their child's experience, particularly in the earlier years.

The Weston Road Academy is a solid, well-managed comprehensive school where good teaching, clear expectations, and genuine care for pupil wellbeing create a functional, supportive environment. The headline strength is the sixth form, where results jump into the top 25% nationally and where teaching demonstrably accelerates progress. GCSE results, while respectable, sit in the middle range; families should manage expectations accordingly and work closely with school to ensure their child progresses well.

The school suits families in the local catchment who value traditional comprehensive education delivered with contemporary care for safeguarding, pastoral support, and wellbeing. It works well for students who thrive in a structured, expectations-driven environment where drama, music, and computing are genuinely supported. Best suited to families within or close to the catchment area who want secondary education in a calm, well-ordered setting with strong sixth form prospects. The main limitation is entry due to oversubscription; securing a place requires proximity to the school.