Classpot

Great Western Academy

Swindon, SN25 2PPSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jan 2023
Progress 8
+0.12
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
184 1st-choice / 162 places
Ranking
#1,276
of 3,141 nationally

About Great Western Academy

Great Western Academy in Swindon is a mixed secondary school and sixth form that is clearly in high demand. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 509 applications for just 162 places, an oversubscription ratio of 3.14 to one, with 184 families listing it as their first preference. Of those, 153 were offered places. The school currently has 1,025 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,210, so there is some physical room to grow, but the sheer volume of applications shows it is a popular choice locally. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 15.7%, which is broadly in line with the national average for secondary schools and suggests a reasonably mixed socioeconomic intake. Headteacher David Clarke leads a non-denominational school that opened relatively recently, and its rapid popularity suggests it has quickly established a strong reputation among Swindon families.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressWilliam Morris Way, Swindon, Swindon, SN25 2PP
HeadteacherDavid Clarke
Local AuthoritySwindon
Number of Pupils1,025
Free School Meals (FSM)15.7%
School Capacity1,025 / 1,210 (85% full)
Sixth FormYes

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 English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

10 Jan 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 1 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Swimming PoolSports HallICT SuiteLibraryTennis CourtsGymnasiumTheatreMusic RoomsScience LabsDining HallArt StudiosSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

FootballCross CountryMartial ArtsRowingNetballRounders

Clubs & Activities

Science ClubChessEco ClubYoung EnterpriseDebateFilm ClubCodingBook ClubDuke of Edinburgh

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Great Western Academy

Great Western Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.