Alde Valley Academy
120%
Capacity
674
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Alde Valley Academy
Alde Valley Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the East Suffolk community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 674 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (120% of 560 places).
Ofsted has rated Alde Valley Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Gavin Hetherington, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.33 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.6. Additionally, ranked 2308th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 12 in East Suffolk.
Alde Valley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 149 applications for 113 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 113 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Alde Valley Academy include Swimming Pool, Library, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Theatre, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Dance, Football, Badminton and 5 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Gardening, Art Club, Coding and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.0%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in East Suffolk, Alde Valley Academy is one of the options available in the East of England 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Seaward Avenue, Leiston, East Suffolk, IP16 4BG |
| Headteacher | Gavin Hetherington |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 674 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.0% |
| School Capacity | 674 / 560 (120% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Jul 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 16 Sept 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.33)
2308th of 3,141
Nationally
265th of 350
In East of England
7th of 12
In East Suffolk
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed113
149
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
113 families put this school as their 1st choice (76% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alde Valley Academy
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
Seaward Avenue, Leiston
East Suffolk, IP16 4BG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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