Great Western Academy
85%
Capacity
1,025
Pupils
3.1x
Demand
About Great Western Academy
Great Western Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Swindon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,025 pupils on roll and is well-filled (85% of 1,210 places).
Ofsted has rated Great Western Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Clarke, it falls under Swindon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.12 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1276th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 13 in Swindon.
Great Western Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 509 applications for 162 places, making it 3.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 184 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 Great Western Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Library, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Theatre, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Cross Country, Martial Arts, Rowing and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Chess, Eco Club, Young Enterprise and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.7%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Swindon, Great Western Academy is one of the options available in the South 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | William Morris Way, Swindon, Swindon, SN25 2PP |
| Headteacher | David Clarke |
| Local Authority | Swindon |
| Number of Pupils | 1,025 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,025 / 1,210 (85% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Jan 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 1 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.12)
1276th of 3,141
Nationally
117th of 306
In South West
6th of 13
In Swindon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
26.1
'23/24
31.4
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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed162
509
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
184 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Western 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
William Morris Way, Swindon
Swindon, SN25 2PP
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 Great Western Academy!
Write a Review