Lightcliffe Academy
61%
Capacity
820
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Lightcliffe Academy
Lightcliffe Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Calderdale community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 820 pupils on roll, operating at 61% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Lightcliffe Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Joanne Hackett, it falls under Calderdale local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.37 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.7. Additionally, ranked 2396th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 12 in Calderdale.
Lightcliffe Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 349 applications for 159 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 87 were first-preference applications.
Lightcliffe Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 66% recommending the school (79 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 Lightcliffe Academy include Art Studios, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Astro Turf, Dining Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Swimming, Martial Arts, Cross Country and 2 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Newspaper, Eco Club, Debate and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 31.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Calderdale, Lightcliffe 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 | Stoney Lane, Halifax, Calderdale, HX3 8TL |
| Headteacher | Joanne Hackett |
| Local Authority | Calderdale |
| Number of Pupils | 820 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 31.7% |
| School Capacity | 820 / 1,350 (61% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Sept 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 4 Dec 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.37)
2396th of 3,141
Nationally
219th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
12th of 12
In Calderdale
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.
Ofsted Parent View
79 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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed159
349
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
87 families put this school as their 1st choice (25% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lightcliffe 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
Stoney Lane, Halifax
Calderdale, HX3 8TL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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