Trinity Academy Cathedral Review 2026: An Outstanding Hub of Ambition and Faith

Rising from the urban landscape of Wakefield, Trinity Academy Cathedral serves as a beacon of academic transformation and Church of England values. Since joining the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust in 2018, the school has undergone a remarkable journey, moving from historical challenges to an Outstanding Ofsted judgement in every category. It is a mixed secondary school serving students aged 11 to 16, with a capacity for 1,050 learners.

The atmosphere is defined by high expectations and a clear sense of purpose. Students here do not just attend school; they belong to a community that insists on excellence as a standard rather than an aspiration. With a Progress 8 score of +0.34, the academy ensures that students make significantly better progress than their peers across England, particularly in core academic subjects.

The feel of Trinity Academy Cathedral is one of calm, professional order. There is a palpable sense of pride among the students, evidenced by their smart appearance and the respectful way they conduct themselves in the corridors. The school operates with a "no excuses" culture, but this is balanced by a deep-seated commitment to pastoral care and the development of the whole child.

As a Church of England institution, the academy's ethos is rooted in Christian values, yet it remains inclusive and welcoming to those of all faiths and none. The chapel serves as a quiet space for reflection, and the liturgical calendar informs the rhythm of school life. Collective worship and the "Trinity Way" provide a framework for character development that goes beyond the classroom.

The Principal, Anna Gillinder, has been in post since April 2023, succeeding Rob Marsh, who now serves as Executive Principal. Under her leadership, the academy has continued to refine its curriculum and strengthen its ties with the local Wakefield community. The school's recent history is one of rapid improvement, turning what was once a struggling institution into one of the most sought-after schools in the region.

Academic outcomes at Trinity Academy Cathedral tell a story of consistent achievement. In the most recent validated results, the school achieved an Average Attainment 8 score of 47. While this is a strong figure, the real story lies in the Progress 8 score of +0.34. This metric confirms that students at the academy achieve roughly a third of a grade higher in every subject than they would be expected to based on their starting points at age 11.

Ranked 1555th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the academy sits in a position that reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Within the local context, it ranks 8th among secondary schools in Wakefield, making it a leading choice for families seeking a non-selective education with proven results.

In the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 23.4% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above, supported by an EBacc Average Point Score of 4.2. This performance is comfortably above the England average EBacc APS of 4.08, highlighting the school's successful focus on a traditional, rigorous academic core including sciences, languages, and humanities.

The curriculum at Trinity Academy Cathedral is designed to be both ambitious and accessible. In the younger years, the focus is on building a broad foundation of knowledge, with a heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy. As students move into Key Stage 4, the "Trinity EBacc" route is encouraged, ensuring students leave with a suite of qualifications that keep doors open for further education and high-level apprenticeships.

Teaching is characterized by the "Trinity Teach" model, which emphasizes structured lessons, high-quality questioning, and frequent feedback. Teachers have expert subject knowledge and use it to break down complex concepts into manageable steps. This methodical approach is particularly effective in Mathematics and the Sciences, where the school has seen significant gains in student confidence and performance.

The school's status as a World Class School is not just a title; it is reflected in the way students are taught to think critically and take ownership of their learning. Modern foreign languages, particularly French, are a point of pride, with a high proportion of students continuing these subjects through to GCSE.

Where Students Go Next

As the academy does not have its own sixth form, the focus on post-16 progression starts early. The vast majority of students transition to local FE colleges or sixth form providers, such as Wakefield College or NEW College Pontefract.

The academy employs a dedicated careers advisor who ensures that every student has a clear pathway by the end of Year 11. Through the Trinity MAT network, students often benefit from early exposure to university life and high-value apprenticeship opportunities. The school's strong links with local employers in West Yorkshire mean that students are well-prepared for the world of work, whether they choose the academic or technical route.

Securing a place at Trinity Academy Cathedral has become increasingly difficult as its reputation has soared. In the last admissions cycle, the school received 589 applications for just 198 places. With a subscription proportion of 2.97, the academy is heavily oversubscribed, making it one of the most competitive schools in Wakefield.

Applications are coordinated by Wakefield Council. After children with EHCPs and looked-after children, priority is given to siblings and then to those living closest to the Thornes Road site. The school also uses a Fair Banding Assessment to ensure a balanced intake of abilities. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates to gauge their chances of entry.

The academy's approach to wellbeing is proactive rather than reactive. The "Masters of our own Destiny" programme helps students develop resilience and emotional intelligence. Each year group is supported by a non-teaching Head of Year and a dedicated pastoral team, ensuring that there is always a member of staff available to deal with issues as they arise.

The latest Ofsted inspection in May 2022 confirmed that safeguarding is a strength of the school, with pupils feeling safe and well-supported. The academy was rated Outstanding in all areas, with inspectors praising the "care, courtesy and maturity" of the students. For students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the "Empower" provision offers a tailored environment for those who need additional help with social, emotional, or academic regulation.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and categorized under the "Involve" programme. The academy insists that every student participates in at least one club, fostering a culture of engagement.

The Arts

The school is particularly strong in performing arts and is home to CAPA Juniors, providing professional-standard training in dance, drama, and music.

STEM Excellence

The Robotics Club and various coding societies are highly popular, utilizing industry-standard equipment to solve engineering challenges.

Sport

Facilities include a large sports hall and extensive outdoor pitches. The academy has a strong tradition in Rugby League, reflecting West Yorkshire's sporting heart, alongside successful netball and athletics teams.

DofE

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a staple of the Year 10 and 11 experience, with many students completing their Bronze and Silver awards on the hills of the Pennines.

The school day begins at 8:25am and finishes at 2:50pm, though many students remain until 3:50pm for "Involve" clubs or academic catch-up sessions. The academy is well-served by local bus routes through Thornes and is within walking distance of Wakefield Westgate station for those travelling from further afield. There is a breakfast club available from 7:45am for students who wish to arrive early.

• Oversubscription: With nearly three applications for every place, many local families find themselves on a waiting list. Those living outside the immediate Thornes area may find entry difficult without a sibling link.
• Strict Discipline: The academy's "no excuses" policy on behavior and uniform is rigorous. While this creates a very orderly environment, families who prefer a more relaxed educational style may find the structure too restrictive.
• No Sixth Form: Students must be prepared to move to a new environment at age 16. While the transition support is excellent, it does mean a second "big move" shortly after GCSEs.

Trinity Academy Cathedral is a school that has successfully married traditional Christian values with a modern, high-octane approach to academic achievement. It is a place where students from all backgrounds are pushed to achieve their best, supported by a trust that knows how to deliver results. It is best suited to families who value discipline, hard work, and a structured environment where academic progress is the primary measure of success.