Belfairs Academy
112%
Capacity
1,606
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Belfairs Academy
Belfairs Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Southend-on-Sea community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,606 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (112% of 1,440 places).
Ofsted has rated Belfairs Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Beverley Williams, it falls under Southend-on-Sea local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.31 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 2260th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 10 in Southend-on-Sea.
Belfairs Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 690 applications for 291 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 156 were first-preference applications.
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 Belfairs Academy include Library, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Football, Rowing, Martial Arts and 2 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Drama, Choir, Eco Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.3%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Southend-on-Sea, Belfairs 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS9 3TG |
| Headteacher | Beverley Williams |
| Local Authority | Southend-on-Sea |
| Number of Pupils | 1,606 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,606 / 1,440 (112% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 17 Oct 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.31)
2260th of 3,141
Nationally
258th of 350
In East of England
7th of 10
In Southend-on-Sea
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
31.4
'22/23
25.8
'23/24
26.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed291
690
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
156 families put this school as their 1st choice (23% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belfairs 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
Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea, SS9 3TG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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