Swindon Academy: All-Through Education with Grammar Stream Ambition

The only Grammar Stream in Swindon operates not from a selective grammar school, but from a state academy in Pinehurst. Swindon Academy combines all-through provision, spanning ages 3 to 19, with a distinctive partnership with Marlborough College that brings independent school resources into the state sector. The secondary phase ranks first in Swindon for GCSE progress, a position the school has held consistently over recent years. Principal Karen Wright leads a community of around 1,900 pupils across primary, secondary, and sixth form phases, spread over two primary campuses and a main secondary site.

Swindon Academy emerged in 2007 from the amalgamation of Headlands School, Pinehurst Junior School, and Pinehurst Infant School. The site on Beech Avenue carries traces of educational history stretching back to the formation of Headlands Grammar School in 1943. That grammar school, serving some 800 boys and girls, moved to the current site in 1952 before becoming a comprehensive for students aged 14 to 19 in 1964. The former grammar school buildings were demolished in December 2009, leaving a modern campus designed for contemporary learning.

The school operates as part of United Learning, a multi-academy trust educating over 60,000 students across England and employing more than 9,000 staff including over 5,000 teachers. United Learning spans both state and independent sectors, creating unusual collaborative opportunities. The trust's six core values, Ambition, Confidence, Creativity, Respect, Enthusiasm, and Determination, translate at Swindon Academy into three daily expectations: Hard Work, Kindness, and Responsibility. Staff and pupils use this language naturally, and the expectations are referenced explicitly in the behaviour policy.

Karen Wright took the helm in March 2024, succeeding Ruth Robinson who had led the school for over a decade. Wright describes herself as fortunate to lead a successful and happy academy with committed students, staff, parents, and governors. Her predecessor received a Lifetime Achievement Award from United Learning upon retirement in 2023, recognition for her contributions to education during a transformative period for the school.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection found warm, caring relationships at the heart of how staff work with pupils. Every student has designated staff members who know them well. Student leaders serve as positive role models, and behaviour during lessons is strong. Inspectors noted a calm and purposeful atmosphere, with pupils taking seriously the expectations that they work hard, take responsibility, and are kind. Clear routines enable concentration on learning across all phases.

The Christian ethos of United Learning, specifically Church of England, shapes the school's moral framework, though the academy operates on a non-denominational basis. This means no specific faith requirements for admission, while values of service, compassion, and generosity inform the school's character education.

Primary (Key Stage 2)

At Key Stage 2 in 2024, 58% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, slightly below the England average of 62%. Reading scaled scores averaged 101 (England average: 105), while mathematics averaged 100 (England average: 104). Grammar, punctuation, and spelling scores averaged 99. Science outcomes reached 69% at expected standard, notably below the England average of 82%.

At the higher standard, approximately 10% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. While this exceeds the national figure for high attainment, the overall expected standard results place the primary phase in the bottom 40% of primaries in England, ranking 14,402nd out of 15,158 ranked schools and 66th among 67 Swindon primaries (FindMySchool ranking based on official data).

The primary results warrant context. Ofsted noted that in mathematics, connections between current and prior learning could be clearer compared to secondary provision, suggesting an area for development identified during the 2022 inspection.

Secondary (GCSE)

The secondary picture is markedly stronger and represents the academy's flagship achievement. Swindon Academy ranks 1st in Swindon for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), sitting within the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile) at 1,276th out of 4,593 ranked schools. The 2024 Attainment 8 score of 48.7 exceeds the England average of 45.9, while the EBacc average point score of 4.42 surpasses the national figure of 4.08.

Progress 8 tells the more compelling story. The score of +0.61 indicates pupils make significantly above-average progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points. This value-added measure reflects the school's investment in teaching quality and curriculum design, particularly through the Grammar Stream and partnership with Marlborough College. When the principal describes the academy as the number one secondary school in Swindon for GCSE progress and attainment, the data supports this claim.

The combined A-levels and GCSE England rank of 1,713 reflects the school's overall secondary and post-16 performance, positioning it in the upper half of schools nationally when both phases are considered together.

Sixth Form (A-Level)

A-level outcomes present a more mixed picture and require honest assessment. In 2024, approximately 1% of entries achieved grade A*, with 15% reaching grade A and 37% achieving A*-B. These compare to England averages of around 24% at A*/A and 47% at A*-B. This places the sixth form in the bottom 40% of providers in England, ranking 1,908th out of 2,649 ranked sixth forms and 6th among Swindon providers (FindMySchool ranking).

However, the breadth of provision matters. United College Sixth Form offers 28 subjects spanning sciences, humanities, creative arts, and applied qualifications. The curriculum enables students to find pathways suited to their interests and abilities, rather than forcing all students into purely academic routes. For students who thrive in vocational or applied contexts, this breadth represents genuine value.

The curriculum demonstrates ambition across all phases. In mathematics, Ofsted noted deliberate sequencing designed for retention. Staff address identified knowledge gaps promptly, particularly in early years settings where practitioners support children through structured play-based activities.

Reading receives significant emphasis throughout the school. Young learners develop phonological awareness and progress to phonics-matched texts. Older students engage with carefully selected materials addressing equality, diversity, tolerance, and respect themes. This literacy focus extends across subjects, with a dedicated reading period built into the daily timetable and a curriculum leader overseeing literacy development across the secondary phase.

The Grammar Stream, launched in 2016, provides a more academically challenging environment for high-ability pupils from Year 7 onwards. This is selective education within a comprehensive setting, the only such provision in Swindon. Schemes of work, teaching resources, and strategies to stretch and challenge the most able are shared between Swindon Academy and Marlborough College. A Steering Group including senior leaders from both institutions oversees development and ensures the programme maintains its academic rigour.

Entry to the Grammar Stream requires an existing Year 7 place at the academy followed by success in an entrance examination. Students then benefit from a curriculum designed to match grammar school standards, with regular access to Marlborough College facilities and expertise. Taster events are available for prospective families considering this pathway.

Curriculum leaders span all subjects, providing specialist oversight: Louise Rowe leads Science and the Grammar Stream; Ruth Lyon heads Mathematics; Liz Roper oversees English; James Stone directs Sport and Performance; Matt Mahon coordinates Business; and the Social Sciences fall under Mollie Ravenhill. Each year group has both a dedicated Year Manager and a Character Lead, creating pastoral accountability alongside academic oversight. This dual structure ensures behavioural and developmental needs receive attention while academic progress is monitored closely.

Primary Transitions

Every Swindon Academy Primary pupil has a guaranteed place waiting for them at Secondary, eliminating the uncertainty that accompanies the Year 6 to Year 7 transition elsewhere. This seamless pathway enables families to plan with confidence. Whether based at the Alton Close or Beech Avenue primary site, Year 6 pupils do not need to apply through the council for their secondary place. Direct notification to the academy is sufficient.

Post-16 and University Destinations

In 2024, 53% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with 27% entering employment and 6% starting apprenticeships, based on a cohort of 64 students. One student secured a place at the University of Cambridge, a notable achievement highlighted by the principal. Other destinations included the University of Bristol, University of York, and institutions across the country, with students pursuing subjects from accounting to conservation biology.

For students seeking elite destinations, the Grammar Stream pathway is crucial. Year 10 pupils can apply for Marlborough College Sixth Form Bursaries, potentially accessing one of England's leading independent schools. Older students receive UCAS application support through the Marlborough partnership, providing guidance on competitive university applications that might otherwise be unavailable at a state school.

The school does not publish Russell Group percentages, but the diversity of destinations suggests students find appropriate pathways. The fact that over a quarter of leavers entered employment directly indicates the school prepares students for work as well as further study.

Parents comparing local performance can use the FindMySchool Local Hub page to view these results alongside other Swindon providers using the Comparison Tool.

Swindon Academy operates four main entry points: Nursery (age 3), Reception (age 4), Year 7 (age 11), and Year 12 (age 16). Each route has distinct processes.

Nursery

Nursery places are available at two locations: Alton Close in Penhill and Beech Avenue in Pinehurst. Applications are submitted through an online form via eylog, not through the local authority. Children access a wide range of planned activities and explore at their own pace, encouraging independence and confidence. Each Nursery class includes water play, sand play, mark making, home corner, construction, small world, and book areas alongside outdoor spaces for physical development. Snacks introduce children to new tastes and textures while developing independence skills.

Primary (Reception)

Primary admissions for Reception are coordinated through Swindon Borough Council, not directly to the school. The academy is free to attend and places are open to students of all abilities. Applicants should specify their preferred campus (Beech Avenue or Alton Close), though placement depends on strict admissions criteria and available spaces. A Supplementary Information Form must be completed and submitted to the admissions officer.

Demand is healthy. In 2024, there were 100 applications for 65 Reception places, a subscription ratio of 1.54 applications per place, making the primary phase oversubscribed. Rolling availability sometimes exists in Years 3, 4, and 5, accessed through the council's In-Year Admissions process.

Secondary (Year 7)

Year 7 applications go through Swindon Borough Council, with the deadline falling at the end of October for September entry. In 2024, there were 416 applications for 200 Year 7 places, a subscription ratio of 2.08 applications per place. The secondary phase is significantly oversubscribed.

Internal primary pupils have guaranteed secondary places and do not need to apply through the council. This represents a significant advantage of the all-through model. In-year transfers from other schools are possible through the council's In-Year process.

The Grammar Stream requires an existing Year 7 place at the academy, followed by success in an entrance examination. Contact admissions@swindon-academy.org or telephone 01793 426900 for details about registration and examination dates. Taster events provide prospective families with insight into the programme.

Sixth Form (Year 12)

United College Sixth Form welcomes external applicants, with approximately one-third of students joining from other schools. Applications are completed online through the applicant portal at unitedcollegesixthform.applicaa.com. Students select four subjects at application, with subject selection confirmed at interview stage. Courses run dependent on numbers, so popular subjects are more likely to proceed.

The sixth form has a big family feel, with everyone coming together in the dedicated Sixth Form Centre. Within the centre, students have their own library, study rooms, ICT facilities, and a common room for meeting, working, and relaxing. This environment supports both academic focus and social development.

Open evenings typically take place in autumn. Tours can be booked through the Admissions Officer, Michaela Isted.

Proposed Changes

From September 2027, the Published Admission Number for Primary may reduce from current levels to 60 places. A consultation ran from December 2025 through January 2026. Contact Kaylie Hill at kaylie.hill@swindon-academy.org for information about this proposed change.

The pastoral structure provides multiple layers of support. Each secondary year group has both a Year Manager and a Character Lead. Year 7 has Julie Law as Manager with Sophie Stevens as Character Lead; Year 8 has Lisa Quinn and Helen Welsby; Year 9 has Kelsey Babb and Joe Williams; Year 10 has Cat Roberts and Lucy Zuimacs; Year 11 has Rebecca Harding. This dual structure ensures behavioural and developmental needs receive attention from designated staff who build relationships with students over time.

The Inclusion team, led by Assistant Head Chris Oke, coordinates SEND provision with dedicated support staff including a Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Pastoral Officer, and Inclusion Mentors. This team ensures students with additional needs receive appropriate support without being separated from mainstream provision where possible.

Primary campuses have their own leadership structures. Charlotte Beckhurst serves as Head Teacher at Beech Avenue, supported by Deputy Heads Laura Seabourne and Laura Horseman, plus Assistant Heads Amreen Hussain and SENCO Olivia Montgomery. This local leadership enables quick response to primary-specific concerns while maintaining alignment with the academy's overall vision.

The Ofsted inspection highlighted staff ambition for all pupils and successful implementation of a curriculum teaching equality, diversity, tolerance, and respect. A calm and purposeful atmosphere pervades the school. Pupils take seriously the expectations that they work hard, take responsibility, and are kind. In early years and primary settings, structured support and play-based activities help children develop social skills.

Sixth form students benefit from an environment described as having a big family feel. Within the dedicated Sixth Form Centre, students have their own library, study rooms, ICT facilities, and a common room for meeting, working, and relaxing. Staff provide support to keep students on track academically while prioritising wellbeing.

The Marlborough College Partnership

The partnership with Marlborough College, established in 2004 and now spanning over two decades, distinguishes Swindon Academy from other state schools in the region. This is not a token arrangement; it involves dedicated staffing, regular visits, and shared curriculum development.

Activities span all phases. Primary pupils visit the Marlborough campus to access cultural events and view the Observatory. Secondary students from Years 7 and 8 make fortnightly visits for project work across subjects including Computer Science, Classics, English, and study skills. Subject-focused residentials run from Year 9 through Sixth Form, providing immersive learning experiences. Year 10 students participate in exchange programmes with Marlborough peers, building relationships and gaining experiences beyond the state school context.

Marlborough College employs a specialist STEM teacher, who also serves as a governor, to work at Swindon Academy. A Partnership Manager splits their week between both schools, spending three days at Marlborough and two at Swindon Academy, ensuring excellent communication and coordination. This investment of personnel demonstrates the partnership's depth.

For Grammar Stream students, weekend residential study sessions at Marlborough College provide subject-specific mentoring. The Marlborough College Sixth Form Bursary offers Year 10 pupils the opportunity to apply for a fully funded place at one of England's leading independent schools.

Sport and Facilities

The campus includes substantial sporting infrastructure: a large floodlit 3G pitch (recarpeted in August 2022), a sports hall, grass football pitches in both 11-a-side and 9-a-side configurations, a MUGA (multi-use games area), and a dance studio. These facilities support curriculum delivery and an extensive extracurricular programme running every evening and on weekends.

The school makes facilities available for community hire, including conference suites, drama rooms, food technology rooms, and the main hall. This community engagement extends the school's impact beyond its student body.

Creative and Performing Arts

A drama studio supports performing arts, with Drama offered as a GCSE and A-level option. Music features in the curriculum and as an extracurricular option, overseen by Curriculum Leader Helen Welsby. Art and photography form part of the sixth form offer, with Art, Photography, Product Design, and Textile Design all available at A-level. The creative curriculum provides genuine breadth for students with artistic interests.

Character Education

Each year group has a dedicated Character Lead who works alongside the Year Manager to develop personal qualities beyond academic achievement. Year 9 character education is overseen by Joe Williams, integrating personal development with academic study. This focus on character aligns with United Learning's values and prepares students for responsibilities beyond school.

The secondary school day runs from 8:20am to 3:20pm. Roll call begins at 8:20am, with Period 1 starting at 8:30am. The school operates six one-hour lessons daily, with break incorporated into Period 2 (9:25am to 10:40am) and lunch within Period 4 (12:05pm to 1:30pm). A tutor period and reading session runs from 11:35am to 12:05pm. The average school week totals 36.25 hours of learning time.

Optional clubs run until 4:20pm after school, providing a diverse portfolio of activities every evening and during weekends. These extracurricular opportunities extend the school day for students who wish to participate.

The school operates across multiple sites. The main secondary campus and sixth form are located at Beech Avenue, Pinehurst, SN2 1JR (telephone: 01793 426900). Primary provision is available at both Beech Avenue and Alton Close, Penhill, SN2 5HF. Nursery operates at both locations.

Transport links serve the Pinehurst area of Swindon, north of the town centre. Families should check local bus routes and parking availability when visiting.

Wraparound care details for primary pupils are not published on the school website. Families requiring breakfast club or after-school care should contact the school directly for current provision and availability.

Primary performance lags behind secondary. The gap between primary and secondary outcomes is notable. KS2 results fall below England averages while GCSE results rank first in Swindon. Families joining at primary should understand this context, though the Progress 8 score suggests the secondary phase adds significant value to pupils regardless of their starting points.

A-level outcomes require context. Sixth form results sit below England averages for top grades. The school provides breadth of opportunity and pathways to university, including to Cambridge in 2024, but families seeking elite A-level outcomes may find stronger alternatives among selective sixth forms or further education colleges in the region.

Oversubscription at secondary entry. With over two applications per place at Year 7, securing entry is competitive. Families should consider the all-through route, where primary pupils have guaranteed secondary places. This removes admissions uncertainty entirely.

Grammar Stream is selective within the school. The Grammar Stream offers academic stretch, but requires an entrance examination after securing a Year 7 place. This is not automatic access to grammar-school-style education; it demands additional application and assessment. Families should attend taster events to understand the commitment required.

Swindon Academy offers something unusual: a state school with grammar stream ambition, independent school partnership, and all-through continuity from age 3 to 19. The secondary phase delivers on progress, ranking first in Swindon for GCSE value-added with a Progress 8 score of +0.61. The Marlborough College connection provides enrichment and resources unavailable at most state schools, from Observatory visits to residential study programmes.

Best suited to families who want a single school journey from nursery to sixth form, with guaranteed secondary places for primary pupils eliminating admissions anxiety. The Grammar Stream pathway serves academically able children seeking greater challenge within a comprehensive setting. Those prioritising raw A-level grades over progress measures may look elsewhere for post-16 provision; those valuing community, continuity, and character education will find much to admire.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to verify their distance from the school gates and compare admissions statistics across Swindon schools before making decisions.