Abbeyfield School
101%
Capacity
1,358
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About Abbeyfield School
Abbeyfield School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the West Northamptonshire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,358 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 1,350 places).
Ofsted has rated Abbeyfield School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Henry Gowney-Hedges, it falls under West Northamptonshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.03 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1442nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 22 in West Northamptonshire.
Abbeyfield School is a popular choice with families — it received 350 applications for 238 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 127 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Abbeyfield School include Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Athletics, Football, Martial Arts and 2 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Drama, Choir, Orchestra and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 24.7%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in West Northamptonshire, Abbeyfield School is one of the options available in the East Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Mereway, Northampton, West Northamptonshire, NN4 8BU |
| Headteacher | Henry Gowney-Hedges |
| Local Authority | West Northamptonshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,358 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 24.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,358 / 1,350 (101% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Sept 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (15 Sept 2021): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 27 Jun 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.03)
1442nd of 3,141
Nationally
112th of 273
In East Midlands
12th of 22
In West Northamptonshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
37.1
'22/23
37.0
'23/24
29.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed238
350
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
127 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abbeyfield School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Mereway, Northampton
West Northamptonshire, NN4 8BU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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