Holyrood Academy
102%
Capacity
1,321
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About Holyrood Academy
Holyrood Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Somerset community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,321 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,300 places).
Ofsted has rated Holyrood Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Dave Maccormick, it falls under Somerset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.16 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1918th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 13th out of 26 in Somerset.
Holyrood Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 220 applications for 203 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 193 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Holyrood Academy include Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Library, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Football, Dance, Athletics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Model UN, Chess, Choir and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Somerset, Holyrood 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Zembard Lane, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1JL |
| Headteacher | Dave Maccormick |
| Local Authority | Somerset |
| Number of Pupils | 1,321 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,321 / 1,300 (102% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Apr 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.16)
1918th of 3,141
Nationally
196th of 306
In South West
13th of 26
In Somerset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
29.0
'22/23
26.3
'23/24
30.6
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed203
220
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
193 families put this school as their 1st choice (88% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holyrood 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
Zembard Lane, Chard
Somerset, TA20 1JL
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 Holyrood Academy!
Write a Review