Manor Drive Secondary Academy

About Manor Drive Secondary Academy

Manor Drive Secondary Academy is a state secondary in Peterborough that opened with a clear vote of confidence from its families. In the most recent Parent View survey, 83% of respondents said they would recommend the school, a strong signal for a relatively new institution. The school is also heavily oversubscribed: for 146 places in the 2025/26 intake, it received 295 total applications, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.02. Of those, 134 were first-preference applications, and 124 first-preference offers were made. Parents who responded were particularly positive about clubs and activities, with 91% agreeing or strongly agreeing that their child can take part, and 89% felt their child does well at the school. On safety, 90% agreed or strongly agreed that their child feels safe. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in March 2025, rated it Good overall, with an Outstanding grade for personal development. Behaviour and attitudes, leadership, and quality of education were all judged Good.

Academically, the school serves a community with a high proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals, at 41%. While the data does not include specific Progress 8 or Attainment 8 scores for Manor Drive itself, the local authority average Progress 8 for Peterborough is 0.03, which is broadly in line with the national average. The school does not have a sixth form, so pupils leave at 16. Ofsted noted that the quality of education is Good, meaning the curriculum is well-sequenced and teaching is effective. The inspection also highlighted that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are supported well, and the school’s personal development provision was singled out as Outstanding. Parents responding to the survey were largely positive about expectations: 82% agreed or strongly agreed that the school has high expectations for their child, and 86% felt their child does well. However, communication around learning could be an area for development, as 29% disagreed that the school lets them know how their child is doing.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a swimming pool, astro turf, sports hall, art studios, and a library. Sports on offer include rowing, gymnastics, rugby, and dance, while clubs range from debate and drama to eco club and Young Enterprise. SEND provision covers a wide spectrum, including support for autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health. With 446 pupils against a capacity of 720, the school is still growing, and its oversubscription suggests strong local demand. This is a school that suits families looking for a Good-rated secondary with strong pastoral care and a wide extracurricular offer, particularly those who value personal development and a safe, inclusive atmosphere. The nearest Outstanding-rated school is The King’s (The Cathedral) School, three kilometres away, but Manor Drive’s strong parent satisfaction and growing reputation make it a compelling choice in its own right.

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