Boston Spa Academy
121%
Capacity
1,456
Pupils
3.4x
Demand
About Boston Spa Academy
Boston Spa Academy has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted across every category in its most recent inspection, a significant upgrade from its previous Good rating. The school’s Progress 8 score of 0.56 is the standout exam metric here, placing it well above average nationally and far exceeding the Leeds local authority average of 0.07. That score ranks the school 9th out of 42 secondary schools in Leeds, and 26th out of 306 across Yorkshire and the Humber, putting it comfortably in the top 25% of schools nationally. The maths Progress 8 score is particularly strong at 1.05, while English sits at 0.26 and the EBacc element at 0.58. With 89% of pupils entered for the EBacc, and 56% achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and maths, the school clearly prioritises a broad academic curriculum alongside strong core outcomes.
At GCSE, pupils achieved an Attainment 8 score of 54.1, and 76.1% secured a grade 4 or above in English and maths. The EBacc average point score of 5.2 reflects solid performance across the full suite of academic subjects. At A-level, the picture is more mixed: the value-added score of -0.39 is below average, and the progress banding is rated as such, though the average points per entry of 32.14 equates to a C+ grade. The best three A-levels averaged a grade C, with 17.6% of students achieving AAB or higher. The sixth form itself was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, so the gap between GCSE and A-level outcomes may be something to explore on a visit, particularly for families considering the school for post-16 study.
The school is significantly oversubscribed: for 236 places in 2025/26, it received 801 applications, with 298 listing it as first preference. Only 228 first-preference offers were made, so a place is far from guaranteed. Facilities are generous for a state school, including a swimming pool, theatre, astro turf, and a dedicated sixth form centre. The SEND provision is broad, covering dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder, and social, emotional and mental health needs, among others. With 20% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a genuinely mixed intake. Boston Spa Academy will suit families who value strong academic progress, particularly in maths and the EBacc, and who are prepared for a competitive admissions process.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Clifford Moor Road, Wetherby, Leeds, LS23 6RW |
| Headteacher | Peter Hollywood |
| Local Authority | Leeds |
| Number of Pupils | 1,456 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,456 / 1,200 (121% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Jan 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 19 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.56)
430th of 3,141
Nationally
26th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
9th of 42
In Leeds
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more 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
34.9
'22/23
31.6
'23/24
32.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Where school leavers go
2022/2367%
of A-level / Level 3 leavers go to higher education (cohort: 72 pupils).
Top-tier university progression
16%
Russell Group
19%
Top-third HE
Percentages of the whole cohort (not just HE-goers). Russell Group = 24 elite research universities. Top-third HE = top by mean UCAS tariff.
- University (HE)67%
- Employment26%
- Further education3%
- Apprenticeship1%
- Not sustained1%
Sources: DfE 16-18 destination measures (broad bucket); DfE KS5 student destinations file (Russell Group / top-third HE / Oxbridge). Level 3 cohort. “Sustained” means the pupil was in education, apprenticeship or employment for 6 months in the year following completion.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed236
801
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
298 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Class profile
2024/25Better than 75% of schools in England.
Better than 75% of schools in England.
Lower is generally better — fewer pupils per teacher or per class means more individual attention. Sources: DfE School Workforce Census & Schools, pupils and their characteristics, 2024/25.
Pupils & demographics
2024/25Below the national average (25%).
Above the national median (10%) — a meaningful share speak English as an additional language.
Ethnic background
- White British70.0%
- Asian8.3%
- Mixed4.9%
- White (other)3.2%
- Black0.8%
Source: DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics (2024/25). Percentages may not sum to 100% — pupils classified as “unclassified”, “refused” or minor categories are not shown.
Attendance & Behaviour
2024/2575% of schools in England do better than this.
75% of schools in England do better than this.
Pupils missing 10% or more of sessions.
75% of schools in England do better than this.
A pupil temporarily sent home for behaviour.
Like most schools in England, no pupils were permanently excluded this year.
Ranks vs all state-funded schools in England. Source: DfE Pupil absence in schools & Suspensions and permanent exclusions.
Catchment & Local Competition
No catchment data published for this school
The dashed grey ring is a generic 1-mile reference area — it's not an admission boundary. Real catchment depends on year, demand, and council criteria. We currently have real data for about 6% of UK schools and are actively expanding the database.
⚠ This school is oversubscribed — without published cutoff data we can't show how far places reach. Check your council's admissions page.
Schools within 1 mile (reference area)
1 mile is a fixed reference, not this school's catchment.
4
Total schools
4
Oversubscribed
3
Primary
Don’t use the dashed grey ring as a catchment boundary — it’s a reference area for counting nearby schools only. Real admission boundaries depend on year-by-year demand and council criteria; ask the school or council for authoritative info.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Spa 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
Clifford Moor Road, Wetherby
Leeds, LS23 6RW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Boston Spa Academy!
Write a Review