In Wellingborough's Brickhill area, a former technical grammar school that has undergone significant transformation now serves approximately 1,300 students across eleven to eighteen years. Founded originally as a Technical Grammar School, the school converted to academy status in September 2013 and was renamed Weavers Academy. Part of the Creative Education Trust since 2013, it has maintained a Good Ofsted rating from its 2022 inspection. With a mixed, non-selective intake and approximately 45% of students from ethnic minority backgrounds, this is a genuinely comprehensive secondary school preparing students for both traditional academic and vocational pathways.
Weavers Academy defines itself with the vision "Striving for Success, learning with pride," and this philosophy permeates the school day. The Ofsted inspection in May 2022 confirmed that this is a school where staff care for pupils and are determined they will succeed. Students report feeling proud of their school and safe within it. Behaviour is notably good, with the introduction of a revised behaviour policy in 2022 creating greater consistency and having a positive impact on how discipline is managed.
The school benefits from strong leadership under Ms Emma Merry as head, with the academy having evolved significantly from its predecessor institution. The atmosphere reflects a genuine commitment to student wellbeing alongside academic aspiration. Inspectors observed that pupils respond well to challenges set by teachers, and the positive atmosphere in lessons is evident. Safeguarding systems are effective and pupils know who to turn to if worried or concerned. The school provides a comprehensive pastoral support system that ensures every student receives appropriate attention.
Weavers Academy ranks 3,106th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom 40% nationally. In 2024, 57% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and mathematics, compared to the England average of 61%. The Attainment 8 score stands at 39.2, below the England average of 44.2. These figures indicate that academic outcomes remain an area requiring focus, particularly given that the school's Progress 8 score of -0.39 shows that pupils are making slightly below-average progress from their starting points.
The EBacc (English Baccalaureate) take-up is currently below average at 8%, though the school has identified increasing modern language uptake at GCSE as a development priority.
At sixth form level, the school ranks 2,000th in England (FindMySchool ranking), again placing it in the lower part of the national distribution. In 2024, the A-level profile showed 3% achieving A* grades, 9% achieving A grades, and 19% achieving B grades. The combined A*-B percentage stands at 32%, which is below the England average of 47%. These results reflect a sixth form cohort that is smaller and more diverse than many selective schools, with students pursuing a range of academic and vocational qualifications.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
31.93%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The Ofsted inspection praised teachers' subject knowledge as good, with evidence of careful planning and skilful questioning. Lessons follow consistent structures with school-wide strategies such as 'do now' ensuring pupils know what to expect. Teachers adapt their practice to meet pupil needs, and the atmosphere in lessons is positive.
The curriculum is well planned and allows pupils to study a wide range of subjects. The school offers GCSEs, BTECs, and OCR Nationals for pupils, providing multiple pathways. At sixth form, students can choose A-levels alongside further BTEC courses. This curriculum breadth reflects the school's commitment to serving the needs of all learners. Professional development is taken seriously, with the trust providing expert support and guidance, and teachers meeting regularly to discuss innovative approaches to pupil engagement.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
In the 2024 cohort, 55% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, 31% entered employment, 1% began apprenticeships, and the remainder moved into further education or other pathways. Given the school's location in Northamptonshire and its comprehensive intake, destinations reflect a mix of local further education provision and universities across the country. The school secured one Cambridge acceptance in 2024, demonstrating that students are reaching selective institutions despite the overall cohort profile.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Enrichment is central to the school's philosophy. The Ofsted report specifically highlighted "a good programme of activities to enrich the curriculum, including opportunities in the sports and arts," with pupils showing keen engagement.
The school operates a distinct music programme with named ensembles including a Choir and Swing Band that perform regularly at breaktime and lunchtime for the student body. Year 7, 8, and 9 students participate in musical theatre trips to professional productions. The school also coordinates with local musical theatre societies to encourage auditions. The Wellingborough Music Festival welcomes all Weavers ensembles that meet criteria, plus soloists with instrumental or vocal lessons.
The PE department operates under the motto "Personal Excellence," designed to inspire lifelong participation in physical activity. Facilities include multiple football pitches, a large sports hall with five badminton courts and basketball court, a dedicated table tennis hall, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The department offers a diverse extra-curricular programme including football, netball, rugby, basketball, athletics, rounders, table tennis, and health-related fitness clubs. Students showing potential are directed toward local clubs or nominated for district, county, or elite-level teams.
GCSE PE follows the Edexcel specification, combining theory exams with practical assessment across a range of sports. The NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness is also available, providing a vocational alternative. At sixth form, students can pursue the Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport, which is equivalent to one A-level and includes components in anatomy, physiology, fitness training, and professional development in sports.
The school maintains a commitment to student voice and leadership. The student-run school magazine "Weavers Within" provides creative outlet, while the school was a finalist in the Northamptonshire Education Awards 2025 for STEAM provision, indicating growing strength in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics enrichment.
Leadership development is embedded across all key stages, with students encouraged to develop confidence and responsibility from Year 7 onward. Sixth form students have particular opportunities to mentor younger students and participate in community-focused activities such as working with primary schools in the catchment.
Weavers Academy is a non-selective state school admitting students across the full ability range. Places are allocated by North Northamptonshire Council through coordinated admissions. The school reports being oversubscribed for Year 7 entry, reflecting its position as a popular local option. Sixth form admission requires achievement at GCSE level appropriate to the student's subject choices, with individual programmes supporting entry at age 16.
Applications
312
Total received
Places Offered
219
Subscription Rate
1.4x
Apps per place
Safeguarding systems are robust and effective, with leaders maintaining clear reporting and tracking procedures. Staff receive regular training and understand their safeguarding responsibilities well. The school provides extensive pastoral support, and pupils report that bullying is rare but dealt with effectively when it occurs. A thorough and effective system of pastoral support for pupils is in place, with the school having developed particular expertise in supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
The school operates a standard secondary day with the majority of students participating in a range of after-school clubs and activities. Before and after-school childcare is available for families who require it. The school is located on Brickhill Road in Wellingborough and is accessible by local transport links. Full details of term dates, specific timings, and arrangements are available on the school website.
Challenge in standardised outcomes: GCSE and A-level results sit below national averages, placing the school in the lower half nationally. For families prioritising rapid progress through examination success, this is an important consideration. However, the school's commitment to value-added measures and individual student development should not be overlooked.
Lower Progress 8 score: The Progress 8 measure of -0.39 indicates pupils make slightly less progress than peers nationally from their starting points. The school has put recovery plans in place following the pandemic, but improvement remains an ongoing focus.
Mixed attitudes to behaviour policy: While inspectors noted that the revised behaviour policy has improved consistency, some parents report not fully understanding the reasoning behind the changes. Clear communication between school and home about behaviour management is important to check before enrollment.
Smaller sixth form cohort: With only around 90 students in post-16 education, the sixth form is modest compared to standalone sixth form colleges or larger comprehensives. Subject choice and peer group size may be factors families wish to consider.
Weavers Academy is a comprehensive secondary school genuinely committed to serving the full ability range within its catchment. It is not a high-flying grammar school or a results-driven hotspot; rather, it is a place where staff invest heavily in individual student development, behaviour is well managed, and a broad curriculum offers diverse pathways. The school's recent Ofsted inspection confirmed it remains Good, and the emphasis on pastoral care and safeguarding is particularly strong. The school works well for families seeking a genuine community school that values every student and provides consistent support, even if examination outcomes sit below national averages. Results and progress measures remain areas where the school is working to improve. Best suited to families in the catchment who value a caring environment and comprehensive breadth of provision over selective academic filtering.
Yes. Ofsted rated Weavers Academy as Good in May 2022, confirming that it remains a good school where staff care for pupils, behaviour is well managed, and safeguarding systems are effective. Whilst GCSE and A-level results sit below England averages, the school's commitment to pupil wellbeing and support, particularly for disadvantaged students, is a genuine strength.
At GCSE in 2024, 57% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths, slightly below the England average of 61%. The Attainment 8 score is 39.2 (England average: 44.2). At A-level, 32% achieved grades A*-B (England average: 47%). The school ranks 3,106th in England for GCSE and 2,000th for A-level (FindMySchool rankings), indicating results in the lower half of the national distribution. The school is actively working to improve progress measures and has implemented additional tutoring support.
The school offers a broad curriculum with traditional GCSEs alongside BTECs and OCR Nationals, providing flexibility for different learners. At sixth form, students can pursue A-levels in a range of subjects, further BTECs, and vocational qualifications including the Level 3 BTEC in Sport. Students also have access to the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The school has excellent sports facilities including multiple football pitches, a large sports hall with five badminton courts and basketball court, a table tennis hall, and a modern fitness suite. The PE department offers extra-curricular clubs in football, netball, rugby, basketball, athletics, rounders, table tennis, and health-related fitness. GCSE PE (Edexcel) and NCFE Level 1/2 Health and Fitness are available, and sixth form students can study the BTEC National in Sport.
Yes. The school operates a music programme including a Choir and Swing Band that perform regularly. Ensembles participate in the Wellingborough Music Festival, and all year groups undertake musical theatre trips to professional productions. Music lessons are available, and GCSE music is offered alongside A-level options in sixth form.
The sixth form has approximately 90 students and operates as part of the wider school community. Students study A-levels, BTECs, and vocational qualifications and have strong connections to younger year groups through leadership and mentoring roles. The sixth form bursary is available for eligible students, and the school emphasises student voice in shaping sixth form experience.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
