Classpot

Holyrood Academy

Somerset, TA20 1JLSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Feb 2023
Progress 8
-0.16
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
193 1st-choice / 203 places
Ranking
#1,918
of 3,141 nationally

About Holyrood Academy

Holyrood Academy sits in Somerset, a local authority where no secondary school currently holds an Outstanding Ofsted rating. The school itself ranks 13th out of 26 same-type schools in the county on Progress 8, placing it right in the middle of the pack. The top-performing peers in Somerset are The Kings of Wessex Academy, Brymore Academy, and Sexey's School, all of which post stronger progress scores. Holyrood is a mixed, non-religious state secondary for pupils aged 11 to 18, with headteacher Dave Maccormick at the helm. It is one of the larger schools in the area, with 1,321 pupils on roll, slightly above its official capacity of 1,300. Over a quarter of its students (25.6%) are eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average and gives a sense of the school's intake. The school has its own sixth form and is not a boarding school.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressZembard Lane, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1JL
HeadteacherDave Maccormick
Local AuthoritySomerset
Number of Pupils1,321
Free School Meals (FSM)25.6%
School Capacity1,321 / 1,300 (102% 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

7 Feb 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, 26 Apr 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Science LabsSixth Form CentrePlaying FieldsMusic RoomsGymnasiumArt StudiosICT SuiteAstro TurfSports HallLibraryDining HallChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

16

Sports

SwimmingFootballDanceAthleticsMartial ArtsTennis

Clubs & Activities

DramaModel United NationsChessChoirFilm ClubOrchestraYoung EnterpriseGardeningCodingBook Club

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningProfound LearningOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Holyrood Academy

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