North Cambridge Academy
92%
Capacity
689
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About North Cambridge Academy
North Cambridge Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Cambridge community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 689 pupils on roll and is well-filled (92% of 750 places).
Ofsted has rated North Cambridge Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jane Driver, it falls under Cambridgeshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.19 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.7. Additionally, ranked 1106th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 8 in Cambridge.
North Cambridge Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 202 applications for 143 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 75 were first-preference applications.
North Cambridge Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 64% recommending the school (59 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at North Cambridge Academy include Science Labs, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Library, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Basketball, Rounders, Football and 5 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Orchestra, Eco Club, DofE and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 49.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cambridge, North Cambridge Academy is one of the options available in the East of England 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Arbury Road, Cambridge, Cambridge, CB4 2JF |
| Headteacher | Jane Driver |
| Local Authority | Cambridgeshire |
| Number of Pupils | 689 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 49.9% |
| School Capacity | 689 / 750 (92% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Feb 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (5 Feb 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 10 Mar 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.19)
1106th of 3,141
Nationally
116th of 350
In East of England
7th of 8
In Cambridge
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.
Ofsted Parent View
59 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed143
202
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
75 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Cambridge 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
Arbury Road, Cambridge
Cambridge, CB4 2JF
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 North Cambridge Academy!
Write a Review