Blackpool Aspire Academy
93%
Capacity
835
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Blackpool Aspire Academy
Blackpool Aspire Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Blackpool community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 835 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Blackpool Aspire Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher John Woods, it falls under Blackpool local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.31 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 32.1. Additionally, ranked 3083rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 9 in Blackpool.
Blackpool Aspire Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 254 applications for 178 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 135 were first-preference applications.
Blackpool Aspire Academy has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.1/5 from 3 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 Blackpool Aspire Academy include Library, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Football, Martial Arts, Rugby and 6 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Drama, Choir, Young Enterprise and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 64.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackpool, Blackpool Aspire 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 | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Blackpool Old Road, Blackpool, Blackpool, FY3 7LS |
| Headteacher | John Woods |
| Local Authority | Blackpool |
| Number of Pupils | 835 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 64.6% |
| School Capacity | 835 / 900 (93% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 9 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.31)
3083rd of 3,141
Nationally
432nd of 445
In North West
7th 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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed178
254
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
135 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 Blackpool Aspire 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
Blackpool Old Road, Blackpool
Blackpool, FY3 7LS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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