Clayton Hall Academy
About Clayton Hall Academy
Clayton Hall Academy is a mixed 11-16 secondary school in Newcastle-under-Lyme that is clearly in demand. With 780 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,000, the school is not yet full, but the admissions data tells a different story. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 316 applications for 171 places, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of 1.85 applicants per place. Of those, 134 were first-preference applications, and all 134 first-preference families were offered a place. The school’s 18% free school meals rate is higher than the national average of around 23%, but sits slightly below the typical figure for Staffordshire, suggesting a broadly mixed intake. Under headteacher Catherine Reid, the school has a non-religious character and no sixth form, so pupils leave at 16. The strong demand, combined with a capacity that could absorb more pupils, points to a school that is growing in reputation locally.
Key Details
The full report on this school
The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Feb 2024Source: Ofsted, 18 Mar 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
School day
Teaching hours
08:45 – 15:15
Source: claytonhallacademy.org. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton Hall 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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications