Highfield Leadership Academy
57%
Capacity
681
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About Highfield Leadership Academy
Highfield Leadership Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Blackpool community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 681 pupils on roll, operating at 57% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Highfield Leadership Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Kim Greenwood, it falls under Blackpool local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.96 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 34.4. Additionally, ranked 3000th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 9 in Blackpool.
Highfield Leadership Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 304 applications for 206 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 137 were first-preference applications.
Highfield Leadership Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 75% recommending the school (16 responses).
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 Highfield Leadership Academy include Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Rugby, Gymnastics, Badminton and 3 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Drama, Coding, Eco Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 53.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackpool, Highfield Leadership 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 | Highfield Road, Blackpool, Blackpool, FY4 3JZ |
| Headteacher | Kim Greenwood |
| Local Authority | Blackpool |
| Number of Pupils | 681 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 53.0% |
| School Capacity | 681 / 1,200 (57% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 7 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.96)
3000th of 3,141
Nationally
412th of 445
In North West
5th of 9
In Blackpool
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.
Ofsted Parent View
16 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed206
304
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
137 families put this school as their 1st choice (45% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highfield Leadership 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
Highfield Road, Blackpool
Blackpool, FY4 3JZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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