Horbury Academy
102%
Capacity
1,075
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Horbury Academy
Horbury Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,075 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,059 places).
Ofsted has rated Horbury Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Nicola Walker, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.32 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.9. Additionally, ranked 799th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 18 in Wakefield.
Horbury Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 581 applications for 198 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 225 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Horbury Academy include ICT Suite, Tennis Courts, Library, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Theatre, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Tennis, Gymnastics, Football and 6 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Art Club, Orchestra, Film Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wakefield, Horbury Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber 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 | None |
| Address | Wakefield Road, Wakefield, Wakefield, WF4 5HE |
| Headteacher | Nicola Walker |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 1,075 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,075 / 1,059 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 31 Dec 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.32)
799th of 3,141
Nationally
67th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
3rd of 18
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed198
581
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
225 families put this school as their 1st choice (39% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horbury 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
Wakefield Road, Wakefield
Wakefield, WF4 5HE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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