Named after King Alfred the Great, who was born in Wantage in 849 AD, this large comprehensive academy serves approximately 1,800 students across two purpose-built sites. The school's motto, "Opportunity for All," reflects an ethos that combines academic rigour with genuine breadth. With roots tracing back to letters patent granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, King Alfred's has evolved into a modern academy that balances tradition with contemporary educational practice. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022, confirming steady improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating. The Sixth Form is notably strong, ranking in the top third of providers in England for A-level outcomes.
Headteacher Jonathan Smart leads a school that describes itself as "friendly, ambitious, and vibrant." These words prove accurate rather than aspirational. The two-site structure creates distinct communities: Years 7 and 8 are housed on the West Site, providing a contained environment for younger students before they transition to the Centre Site for Years 9 through 13. This arrangement allows staff to tailor the experience to different age groups while maintaining whole-school identity.
The school's six core values permeate daily life: Responsibility, Respect, Tolerance, Curiosity, Knowledge, and Resilience. These are not merely displayed on walls but actively referenced in behaviour policies and student conversations. The 2022 Ofsted inspection noted that pupils "remark on the positive changes that have happened at King Alfred's in recent times." Behaviour has improved markedly, with classrooms described as calmer and more focused than in previous years.
Pastoral care receives significant emphasis. The tutor time slot each morning provides a consistent touchpoint for students, while the transition programme for Year 7 is particularly thorough. This includes primary school visits, transition workshops, a family evening with the Headteacher, and a funded Summer School in July. Vulnerable students and those with SEND receive additional targeted support during this process.
The sports heritage remains visible throughout. King Alfred's became a Specialist Sports College in the late 1990s and retained this status when converting to academy status in 2011. While the formal designation has faded, the infrastructure and culture persist.
King Alfred's GCSE results reflect solid performance. In 2025, 55% of Year 11 students achieved at least five GCSEs including English and Mathematics at grade 4 or above. Nearly two-thirds passed both English and Mathematics at grade 4 or higher. At the top end, 20% of all entries achieved grade 7 or above, while 50% reached grade 5 or better.
The school's Attainment 8 score of 44 points sits slightly below the England average of 45.9. Progress 8, however, tells a more nuanced story: the score of -0.02 indicates students make progress broadly in line with expectations based on their prior attainment. This suggests the school is adding value effectively, even if headline attainment figures are not exceptional.
The school ranks 2,649th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of schools nationally (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, however, the picture is stronger: King Alfred's ranks 1st among schools in Wantage, reflecting its position as the main secondary provider for this market town and surrounding villages.
EBacc entry rates have been a focus for improvement. The inspection noted that numbers enrolling in English Baccalaureate subjects had declined, prompting the school to implement changes encouraging greater participation.
The Sixth Form demonstrates stronger relative performance. In 2025, nearly 30% of A-level grades were A* or A. Over half of BTEC grades achieved Distinction* or Distinction. The Extended Project Qualification produced particularly strong results, with 75% achieving A* or A.
Top-performing students achieved impressive outcomes: three students earned AAAA, over 30 students achieved at least one A, and 90 students secured at least one A grade.
King Alfred's ranks 862nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above the England average in the top third of providers nationally (top 25-35% percentile). This represents strong sixth form performance from a comprehensive intake.
The combined A-level and GCSE ranking of 876th in England reflects consistent performance across both phases. The A-level performance is notably stronger than GCSE, suggesting the Sixth Form adds particular value.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
54.69%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum has undergone significant development since the previous inspection. Leaders have enhanced coherence in how content is sequenced across subjects, with staff receiving substantial professional development to implement these improvements. The inspection confirmed that the curriculum is now more logically structured.
Key Stage 3 has been restructured. Previously compressed into two years, leaders have implemented a three-year model with expanded subject scope. This provides students with broader foundations before making GCSE choices.
The faculty-based structure organises subjects into clear groupings, with personal development, careers guidance, and literacy initiatives running alongside academic programmes. The Character Development Programme and reading initiative, which celebrates "word millionaires," demonstrate commitment to development beyond examination syllabi.
Teaching quality is generally strong, though inspectors noted that in certain subjects, teacher expectations could be elevated further. Students were described as "somewhat muted in class," prompting teachers to employ strategies encouraging more active participation.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
The Sixth Form operates without catchment restrictions, welcoming external applicants on equal footing with internal candidates. Entry requirements are tiered: BTEC courses require five GCSEs at grades 9-4, A-levels require six GCSEs at grades 9-4, while students pursuing four A-levels need seven GCSEs at grades 9-5.
The curriculum offers both academic and vocational pathways. Students can combine A-levels with BTECs where appropriate, creating flexible programmes suited to different aspirations. Year 12 students typically study four subjects, selecting from a blocked timetable structure.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is particularly well-established, with 75% of students achieving A* or A grades. This independent research qualification develops skills valued by universities and employers alike.
The Sixth Form Centre was completely refurbished as part of recent development work. Students also benefit from access to the local leisure centre, offering additional sports activities and a dance studio beyond school facilities.
In the 2023/24 cohort of 204 leavers, 46% progressed to university. This is supplemented by 7% entering apprenticeships and 34% moving directly into employment. The employment figure reflects the school's location within the Oxfordshire economy, where graduate-level opportunities and skilled employment are relatively accessible.
Progression to Russell Group universities stands at 25%, indicating that a quarter of university-bound students secure places at these research-intensive institutions. This represents solid performance for a comprehensive school.
The school's Oxbridge record shows 12 students applied in the measurement period, with one securing a place at Cambridge. This places King Alfred's 287th in England for Oxford applications (FindMySchool ranking), though the conversion rate reflects the high competition for these places.
The academic enrichment programme supports university preparation, hosting talks from external speakers including professors from King's College London. This exposure to higher education thinking benefits students considering competitive courses.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 8.3%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
King Alfred's operates as the designated secondary school for Wantage, Grove, and surrounding villages. The catchment area encompasses twelve feeder primary schools including Charlton Primary, Grove CE Primary, Stockham Primary, and Wantage Primary Academy.
The admission number will be 290 from 2025/26 onwards. Students from the agreed catchment area are admitted at age 11 without reference to ability or aptitude. The school follows Oxfordshire County Council's admissions policy, identical to other community schools.
The admissions data indicates healthy demand: 424 applications for 256 places represents a subscription proportion of 1.66. The school is classified as oversubscribed, though families within the designated catchment can expect places.
The Cambrian Learning Trust, which runs the academy, follows the Oxfordshire Local Authority coordinated scheme for appeals. Parents wishing to challenge admissions decisions can apply to an Independent Panel through the County Council.
There are no catchment restrictions for Sixth Form entry. The school operates a non-selective admissions policy, with all applicants meeting entry requirements receiving places. Importantly, no priority is given to internal Year 11 students over external applicants.
Applications are submitted through the online portal at kingalfreds.applicaa.com/sixthform. An Open Morning was scheduled for December 2025, with the annual Sixth Form Open Evening typically held in November.
Applications
424
Total received
Places Offered
256
Subscription Rate
1.7x
Apps per place
The pastoral structure centres on the tutor group system, with dedicated tutor time each morning from 8:45 to 9:00. This provides daily contact with a consistent adult who monitors academic progress, attendance, and wellbeing.
The two-site model supports age-appropriate pastoral care. Years 7 and 8 on the West Site benefit from a smaller, more contained environment with staff specifically focused on the transition years. Moving to the Centre Site in Year 9 marks a significant milestone, with students joining the main school community including the Sixth Form.
Safeguarding was confirmed as effective in the 2022 inspection. Students report feeling safe, with most indicating that bullying is uncommon. When incidents occur, staff handle them effectively. The school has implemented anti-bullying initiatives and mental health support systems.
The Character Development Programme runs throughout the school, developing personal qualities alongside academic skills. This structured approach to character education reflects the school's commitment to student development beyond examination results.
The sports college heritage delivers tangible benefits. The sports hall on the West Site, opened in 2019, provides modern facilities for physical education and extracurricular activities. The West Site field offers additional outdoor space. Students also access the local leisure centre, extending opportunities for sports activities and fitness.
Competitive sports feature prominently. The school celebrates student achievements in activities ranging from Taekwondo medals to county-level swimming. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme runs across Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, combining outdoor challenges with community service and skill development.
The creative arts programme includes musical productions and performance opportunities. The Sixth Form Auditorium provides a dedicated venue for events and presentations. Drama studio facilities support practical performance work.
The King Alfred's Academic Enrichment Programme distinguishes the school's intellectual culture. Guest lectures from academics, including talks from professors at Russell Group universities, expose students to specialist knowledge beyond the curriculum. A recent talk on Alzheimer's Disease by Professor Brian Anderton from King's College London exemplifies this programme's calibre.
After-school elective clubs cover diverse interests. The reading programme creates "word millionaires," celebrating students who accumulate significant reading experiences. Residential trips extend learning beyond the local environment.
Charity events provide opportunities for student leadership and community engagement. The Careers Fair, held at The Beacon, connects students with employers and further education providers.
The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm, totalling 6.5 hours daily and 32.5 hours weekly. The structure includes tutor time, five teaching periods, and scheduled breaks:
New dining facilities were installed as part of recent development work. The school operates across two sites: West Site (Portway) for Years 7-8, and Centre Site for Years 9-13.
Transport links serve the rural catchment, with students travelling from Wantage, Grove, and surrounding villages. The school's location in Portway provides accessible positioning for the communities served.
Classroom engagement. The 2022 inspection noted that students remain "somewhat muted in class," despite improved behaviour overall. Families seeking highly interactive, discussion-based learning environments should explore this aspect during visits. Teachers are implementing strategies to encourage more active participation, so this may be evolving.
EBacc subject uptake. Participation in English Baccalaureate subjects (including languages, humanities, and sciences) had declined before the inspection. The school is implementing changes to encourage broader subject choices, but families prioritising these traditional academic subjects should discuss options with the school.
GCSE results context. While the school ranks 1st locally in Wantage, the England ranking of 2,649th places it in the middle band nationally. Families comparing schools across wider areas should note this distinction. The Progress 8 score of -0.02 indicates students make expected progress, but headline attainment is below England averages.
Two-site structure. The separation of Years 7-8 from the main school community has both advantages and disadvantages. Younger students benefit from a contained environment, but the transition to Centre Site in Year 9 represents a significant change. Families should consider whether this phased approach suits their child.
King Alfred's Academy delivers genuine opportunity for students across the ability range. The Sixth Form performs notably well, ranking in the top third of providers nationally and sending 25% of university-bound students to Russell Group institutions. GCSE outcomes are solid if unspectacular, though Progress 8 confirms students make expected gains from their starting points.
The school's transformation from Requires Improvement to Good reflects sustained leadership focus on behaviour, curriculum, and teaching quality. The sports college heritage provides excellent facilities, while the academic enrichment programme exposes students to intellectual experiences beyond the standard curriculum.
Best suited to families in the Wantage and Grove catchment seeking a comprehensive school with strong sixth form provision, broad extracurricular opportunities, and improving academic standards. The structured transition programme particularly suits families wanting careful support as children move to secondary school. Those prioritising the highest GCSE outcomes may wish to compare alternatives, but for students who will benefit from breadth and opportunity alongside academic rigour, King Alfred's delivers on its motto.
Yes. Ofsted rated King Alfred's Good in March 2022, with Good judgements across all areas including Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Sixth Form Provision. The school improved from Requires Improvement in 2018. The Sixth Form is particularly strong, ranking in the top third of providers in England for A-level outcomes.
The catchment area covers Wantage, Grove, and surrounding villages, encompassing twelve feeder primary schools including Charlton Primary, Grove CE Primary, Stockham Primary, and Wantage Primary Academy. Students from the designated catchment are admitted without reference to ability or aptitude. The school follows Oxfordshire County Council's admissions policy.
In 2025, 55% of GCSE students achieved five or more grades including English and Mathematics at grade 4 or above. At A-level, nearly 30% of grades were A* or A, with three students achieving AAA*A. The school ranks 862nd in England for A-level outcomes, placing it in the top third nationally.
Yes. The Sixth Form offers both A-levels and BTECs with flexible pathways. Entry requires five GCSEs at grades 9-4 for BTECs, six at 9-4 for A-levels, or seven at 9-5 for four A-levels. There are no catchment restrictions for Sixth Form entry, and external applicants receive equal consideration to internal students.
The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, after-school elective clubs, sports fixtures, musical productions, and charity events. The academic enrichment programme features guest lectures from university professors. Sports facilities include a sports hall opened in 2019 and access to the local leisure centre.
Applications for Year 7 entry are made through Oxfordshire County Council's coordinated admissions scheme, not directly to the school. The admission number is 290 from 2025/26. Open events run in late September and early October, with an Open Evening typically held in September and Open Mornings following through October.
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