Armfield Academy

About Armfield Academy

Armfield Academy is a large all-through state school in Blackpool, educating pupils from age 3 to 16, and it is currently running very close to full capacity with 1,215 pupils against a school capacity of 1,220. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 38.1%, which is significantly higher than the national average for secondary schools and reflects the area's socioeconomic profile. Demand for places is strong: for entry in 2025/26, the school received 394 applications for 159 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.48, with 209 of those applications listing Armfield as a first preference. Of those, 146 first-preference offers were made, indicating that while the school is popular, not all families who want a place can secure one. The school is mixed, non-denominational, and led by headteacher Mark Kilmurray, who has been in post since at least the most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Academically, Armfield Academy's most recent published results from 2023/24 show a Progress 8 score of -1.11, which is well below the national average and places the school in the bottom 50 nationally. This score is also below the Blackpool local authority average of -0.98, and within the LA it ranks 6th out of 9 secondary schools. The Attainment 8 score is 35.2, and the proportion of pupils achieving a grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs is 22.5%, compared with 38.4% at grade 4 or above. The EBacc average point score is 3.22, and only 3.3% of pupils entered the full EBacc combination. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2023, the school was rated Good overall, with Good ratings across all five categories including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This suggests that while outcomes are currently low, inspectors judged the school's leadership and teaching to be effective.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a theatre, sports hall, ICT suite, art studios, and a library, and pupils can take part in sports such as rowing, swimming, and martial arts, as well as clubs like debate, film club, and gardening. Armfield has a nursery provision for younger children but no official sixth form, so pupils must move on after Year 11. The school lists ten categories of SEND provision, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder, and social, emotional and mental health needs, which suggests it is equipped to support a wide range of additional needs. Given its oversubscription and high FSM intake, Armfield is a community-focused school serving a local population with significant disadvantage. It will suit families who prioritise a stable, inclusive environment with strong pastoral and SEND support, and who are comfortable with academic results that are currently below both local and national averages.

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