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Lipson Co-operative Academy

Plymouth, PL4 7PGSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Nov 2021
Progress 8
+0.40
Above average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
207 1st-choice / 237 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#648 of 3,141 nationally

About Lipson Co-operative Academy

Lipson Co-operative Academy is a mixed secondary school in Plymouth that is currently operating close to its capacity of 1,150 pupils, with 1,096 on roll. The school serves a community with a notably high level of disadvantage: 44.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, a figure well above the national average and a clear indicator of the demographic it supports. Demand for places is strong — for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 357 applications for 237 places, making it officially oversubscribed. Of those applications, 207 were first-preference choices, and the school offered places to all first-preference applicants, suggesting that families who rank Lipson first are very likely to secure a spot. This level of demand, combined with the high FSM percentage, paints a picture of a school that is both popular locally and deeply embedded in its community, drawing families who value its inclusive, non-selective intake.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressBernice Terrace, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 7PG
HeadteacherMartin Brook
Local AuthorityPlymouth
Number of Pupils1,096
Free School Meals (FSM)44.5%
School Capacity1,096 / 1,150 (95% 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

3 Nov 2021
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 8 Dec 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

7
Dining HallTheatreICT SuiteTennis CourtsArt StudiosAstro TurfSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

13

Sports

SwimmingNetballGymnasticsAthleticsHockeyTennis

Clubs & Activities

DebateEco ClubScience ClubDuke of EdinburghCodingYoung EnterpriseModel United Nations

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lipson Co-operative Academy

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