Plympton Academy
80%
Capacity
1,078
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Plympton Academy
Plympton Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Plymouth community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,078 pupils on roll and is well-filled (80% of 1,350 places).
Ofsted has rated Plympton Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Shaun Willis, it falls under Plymouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.39 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of D+. Additionally, ranked 2442nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 18 in Plymouth.
Plympton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 239 applications for 100 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 90 were first-preference applications.
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 Plympton Academy include Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Theatre, ICT Suite, Library, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Martial Arts, Football, Rowing and 5 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Model UN, Newspaper, Science Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.1%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Plymouth, Plympton Academy is one of the options available in the South West 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Moorland Road, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL7 2RS |
| Headteacher | Shaun Willis |
| Local Authority | Plymouth |
| Number of Pupils | 1,078 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,078 / 1,350 (80% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.39)
2442nd of 3,141
Nationally
258th of 306
In South West
16th of 18
In Plymouth
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
33.5
'22/23
26.4
'23/24
22.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed100
239
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
90 families put this school as their 1st choice (38% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plympton 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
Moorland Road, Plymouth
Plymouth, PL7 2RS
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 Plympton Academy!
Write a Review