Copley Academy
73%
Capacity
574
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Copley Academy
Copley Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Tameside community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 574 pupils on roll, operating at 73% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Copley Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Ruth Craven, it falls under Tameside local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.90 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 32.7. Additionally, ranked 2980th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 15th out of 16 in Tameside.
Copley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 235 applications for 98 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 66 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Copley Academy include Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Theatre, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Dance, Hockey, Swimming and 4 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Book Club, Newspaper, Choir and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 42.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Tameside, Copley 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, Tameside, SK15 3RR |
| Headteacher | Ruth Craven |
| Local Authority | Tameside |
| Number of Pupils | 574 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 42.7% |
| School Capacity | 574 / 790 (73% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 9 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.90)
2980th of 3,141
Nationally
407th of 445
In North West
15th of 16
In Tameside
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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed98
235
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
66 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copley 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
Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge
Tameside, SK15 3RR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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