Orchard Mead Academy
87%
Capacity
1,045
Pupils
1.2x
Demand
About Orchard Mead Academy
Orchard Mead Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Leicester community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,045 pupils on roll and is well-filled (87% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Orchard Mead Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Subrina Johal, it falls under Leicester local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.69 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 37.0. Additionally, ranked 2839th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 18th out of 20 in Leicester.
Orchard Mead Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 250 applications for 203 places, making it 1.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 150 were first-preference applications.
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 Orchard Mead Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Library, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Theatre, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Football, Rounders, Rugby and 4 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Drama, Chess, DofE and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Leicester, Orchard Mead Academy is one of the options available in the East Midlands 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 | Keyham Lane West, Leicester, Leicester, LE5 1RT |
| Headteacher | Subrina Johal |
| Local Authority | Leicester |
| Number of Pupils | 1,045 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 37.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,045 / 1,200 (87% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Feb 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 28 Mar 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.69)
2839th of 3,141
Nationally
252nd of 273
In East Midlands
18th of 20
In Leicester
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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed203
250
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
150 families put this school as their 1st choice (60% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orchard Mead 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
Keyham Lane West, Leicester
Leicester, LE5 1RT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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