Armfield Academy
100%
Capacity
1,215
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Armfield Academy
Armfield Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Blackpool community, welcoming children from age 3 to 16. The school has 1,215 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,220 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Armfield Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mark Kilmurray, it falls under Blackpool local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.11 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 35.2. Additionally, ranked 3053rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 9 in Blackpool.
Armfield Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 394 applications for 159 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 209 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Armfield Academy include ICT Suite, Library, Theatre, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Gymnasium.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Football, Basketball, Cross Country and 2 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Gardening, Film Club, Debate and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 38.1%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackpool, Armfield Academy is one of the options available in the North 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 | 3 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | 488 Lytham Road, Blackpool, Blackpool, FY4 1TL |
| Headteacher | Mark Kilmurray |
| Local Authority | Blackpool |
| Number of Pupils | 1,215 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 38.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,215 / 1,220 (100% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 28 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.11)
3053rd of 3,141
Nationally
425th of 445
In North West
6th of 9
In Blackpool
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.
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
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed159
394
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
209 families put this school as their 1st choice (53% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armfield 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
488 Lytham Road, Blackpool
Blackpool, FY4 1TL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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