Ansford Academy
68%
Capacity
516
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Ansford Academy
Ansford Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Somerset community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 516 pupils on roll, operating at 68% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Ansford Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Duncan Powell, it falls under Somerset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.42 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 37.8. Additionally, ranked 2482nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 20th out of 26 in Somerset.
Ansford Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 104 applications for 77 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 70 were first-preference applications.
Ansford Academy has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.8/5 from 4 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ansford Academy include Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Sports Hall, Library, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Science Labs, Art Studios, Music Rooms.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Rugby, Football, Athletics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Eco Club, Chess, Model UN and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.5%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Somerset, Ansford Academy is one of the options available in the South West 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 | None |
| Address | Maggs Lane, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7JJ |
| Headteacher | Duncan Powell |
| Local Authority | Somerset |
| Number of Pupils | 516 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.5% |
| School Capacity | 516 / 760 (68% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
31 Oct 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 10 Dec 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.42)
2482nd of 3,141
Nationally
261st of 306
In South West
20th of 26
In Somerset
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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed77
104
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
70 families put this school as their 1st choice (67% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ansford 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
Maggs Lane, Castle Cary
Somerset, BA7 7JJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
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