Pakefield High School
78%
Capacity
701
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Pakefield High School
Pakefield High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the East Suffolk community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 701 pupils on roll, operating at 78% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Pakefield High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Philip Dougherty, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.53 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.1. Additionally, ranked 2646th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 11th out of 12 in East Suffolk.
Pakefield High School is a popular choice with families — it received 255 applications for 158 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 155 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Pakefield High School include Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Football, Rowing, Rugby and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, DofE, Art Club, Eco Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 38.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in East Suffolk, Pakefield High School 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 | London Road Pakefield, Lowestoft, East Suffolk, NR33 7AQ |
| Headteacher | Philip Dougherty |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 701 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 38.9% |
| School Capacity | 701 / 900 (78% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 9 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.53)
2646th of 3,141
Nationally
304th of 350
In East of England
11th of 12
In East Suffolk
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
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed158
255
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
155 families put this school as their 1st choice (61% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pakefield High School
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
London Road Pakefield, Lowestoft
East Suffolk, NR33 7AQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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