The Dorcan Academy
72%
Capacity
888
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About The Dorcan Academy
The Dorcan Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Swindon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 888 pupils on roll, operating at 72% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Dorcan Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sherryl Bareham, it falls under Swindon 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 38.2. Additionally, ranked 2432nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 13 in Swindon.
The Dorcan Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 296 applications for 170 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 169 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 The Dorcan Academy include Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Library, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Hockey, Dance, Gymnastics and 4 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Film Club, Debate, Newspaper and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.3%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Swindon, The Dorcan 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | St Paul's Drive, Swindon, Swindon, SN3 5DA |
| Headteacher | Sherryl Bareham |
| Local Authority | Swindon |
| Number of Pupils | 888 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.3% |
| School Capacity | 888 / 1,234 (72% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Jul 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 8 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.39)
2432nd of 3,141
Nationally
256th of 306
In South West
12th of 13
In Swindon
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.
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
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed170
296
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
169 families put this school as their 1st choice (57% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Dorcan 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
St Paul's Drive, Swindon
Swindon, SN3 5DA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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