John Smeaton Academy
68%
Capacity
610
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About John Smeaton Academy
John Smeaton Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Leeds community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 610 pupils on roll, operating at 68% capacity.
Ofsted has rated John Smeaton Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Andrew Moncur, it falls under Leeds local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.90 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 32.5. Additionally, ranked 2978th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 41st out of 42 in Leeds.
John Smeaton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 400 applications for 157 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 138 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at John Smeaton Academy include ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Library, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Dance, Martial Arts, Cross Country and 6 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Art Club, Book Club, Young Enterprise and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 41.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Leeds, John Smeaton 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Barwick Road, Leeds, Leeds, LS15 8TA |
| Headteacher | Andrew Moncur |
| Local Authority | Leeds |
| Number of Pupils | 610 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 41.5% |
| School Capacity | 610 / 900 (68% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
30 Apr 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 19 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.90)
2978th of 3,141
Nationally
289th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
41st of 42
In Leeds
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.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed157
400
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
138 families put this school as their 1st choice (35% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Smeaton 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
Barwick Road, Leeds
Leeds, LS15 8TA
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 John Smeaton Academy!
Write a Review