Appleton Academy
84%
Capacity
1,254
Pupils
2.6x
Demand
About Appleton Academy
Appleton Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bradford community, welcoming children from age 3 to 16. The school has 1,254 pupils on roll and is well-filled (84% of 1,500 places).
Ofsted has rated Appleton Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Helen Jones, it falls under Bradford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.63 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2775th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 28th out of 34 in Bradford.
Appleton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 773 applications for 296 places, making it 2.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 218 were first-preference applications.
Appleton Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 58% recommending the school (228 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Appleton Academy include Music Rooms, Library, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Swimming Pool.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Athletics, Rounders, Dance and 6 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Science Club, Young Enterprise, Drama and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.9%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bradford, Appleton Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber 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 | 3 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Woodside Road, Bradford, Bradford, BD12 8AL |
| Headteacher | Helen Jones |
| Local Authority | Bradford |
| Number of Pupils | 1,254 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,254 / 1,500 (84% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Nov 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (20 Nov 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 5 Mar 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.63)
2775th of 3,141
Nationally
265th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
28th of 34
In Bradford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
34.1
'22/23
28.5
'23/24
29.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
228 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed296
773
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
218 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appleton 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
Woodside Road, Bradford
Bradford, BD12 8AL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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