Outwood Academy Acklam
88%
Capacity
1,185
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Outwood Academy Acklam
Outwood Academy Acklam is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Middlesbrough community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,185 pupils on roll and is well-filled (88% of 1,350 places).
Ofsted has rated Outwood Academy Acklam "Good", the school is led by headteacher Graham Skidmore, it falls under Middlesbrough local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.23 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.3. Additionally, ranked 2090th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 7 in Middlesbrough.
Outwood Academy Acklam is a popular choice with families — it received 688 applications for 227 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 145 were first-preference applications.
Outwood Academy Acklam parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 55% recommending the school (44 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Outwood Academy Acklam include Library, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Tennis, Gymnastics, Rugby and 3 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Model UN, Coding, Gardening and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 52.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Middlesbrough, Outwood Academy Acklam is one of the options available in the North East 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 | Hall Drive, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, TS5 7JY |
| Headteacher | Graham Skidmore |
| Local Authority | Middlesbrough |
| Number of Pupils | 1,185 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 52.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,185 / 1,350 (88% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 Mar 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 7 May 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.23)
2090th of 3,141
Nationally
75th of 142
In North East
3rd of 7
In Middlesbrough
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
44 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed227
688
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
145 families put this school as their 1st choice (21% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outwood Academy Acklam
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
Hall Drive, Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough, TS5 7JY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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