John Cabot Academy
91%
Capacity
1,278
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About John Cabot Academy
John Cabot Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the South Gloucestershire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,278 pupils on roll and is well-filled (91% of 1,400 places).
Ofsted has rated John Cabot Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Kate Willis, it falls under South Gloucestershire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.44 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 580th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 16 in South Gloucestershire.
John Cabot Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 309 applications for 141 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 100 were first-preference applications.
John Cabot Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 73% recommending the school (116 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at John Cabot Academy include Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Theatre, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Football, Rowing, Gymnastics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Model UN, Debate, Film Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.1%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in South Gloucestershire, John Cabot 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Woodside Road, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS15 8BD |
| Headteacher | Kate Willis |
| Local Authority | South Gloucestershire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,278 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,278 / 1,400 (91% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Nov 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 12 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.44)
580th of 3,141
Nationally
36th of 306
In South West
1st of 16
In South Gloucestershire
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
31.3
'22/23
26.4
'23/24
26.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
116 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
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed141
309
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
100 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Cabot 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
Woodside Road, Bristol
South Gloucestershire, BS15 8BD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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