Abbey Grange Church of England Academy

About Abbey Grange Church of England Academy

Abbey Grange Church of England Academy is a significantly oversubscribed secondary school in Leeds, and the numbers tell you why. With 1,615 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,152, the school is operating well above its intended size, a clear signal of its popularity. For the 2025/26 intake, there were 237 places available and 1,052 total applications, giving an oversubscription ratio of 4.44. Of those, 278 families put it as their first preference, and 209 first-preference offers were made. The school's intake reflects a broad demographic: 22.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average for secondary schools and suggests a genuinely comprehensive mix. As a Church of England academy, it has a religious character, but the demand from families across Leeds — not just those seeking a faith-based education — points to its wider academic reputation. The headteacher is Rachael Cole, and the school serves pupils aged 11 to 18.

Academically, Abbey Grange is a strong performer, particularly at GCSE. Its Progress 8 score of 0.7 is well above average, placing it 6th out of 42 schools in Leeds and in the top 10% nationally. This is a significant achievement when compared with the Leeds local authority average Progress 8 score of just 0.07. The Attainment 8 score sits at 58.7, and 84.6% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, with 70% reaching grade 5 or above. The school also has a strong focus on the English Baccalaureate: 76.4% of pupils entered the EBacc suite of subjects, and 46.4% achieved it at grade 4 or above. At A-level, the picture is more mixed. The value-added score is -0.23, which is below average, and the average points per entry is 31.12, equivalent to a grade C. The best three A-levels averaged a C+ grade. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022 confirmed it remains Good, with leadership and management also rated Good.

The school offers a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, theatre, chapel, sports hall, astro turf, and a dedicated sixth form centre. Sports on offer include football, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, and athletics, while clubs range from orchestra and choir to Model UN, Eco Club, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. For families with children who have additional needs, the school provides support for a broad spectrum of SEND, including specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health challenges. Given its oversubscription and strong academic outcomes, this is a school that suits families who prioritise high GCSE performance and a broad curriculum, but who are also comfortable with a large, popular school where competition for places is fierce. The sixth form is available on site, though the A-level value-added data suggests it may not add as much academic progress as the GCSE phase.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Abbey Grange Church of England Academy

Helpful Guides for Parents