Classpot

The Excel Academy

Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6LGSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Nov 2021
Progress 8
-0.57
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
1.3×
Oversubscribed
310 1st-choice / 233 places
Ranking
#2,704
of 3,141 nationally

About The Excel Academy

The Excel Academy is a mixed state secondary for 11 to 16 year olds in Stoke-on-Trent, and it is a school that families in the area are clearly keen to get into. With 1,208 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,200, it is essentially full to the brim. The demand is evident from the admissions data for the 2025/26 intake: the school received 567 applications for 233 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.43, and 310 of those applications were first-preference choices. That level of competition suggests a strong local reputation. The school serves a community with above-average levels of disadvantage — 32.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, compared with the national secondary average of around 23%. This context matters when interpreting the school’s academic results, as schools with higher FSM percentages often face additional challenges in driving attainment.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressMilton Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6LG
HeadteacherAnna Steele
Local AuthorityStoke-on-Trent
Number of Pupils1,208
Free School Meals (FSM)32.7%
School Capacity1,208 / 1,200 (101% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

25 Nov 2021
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (25 Nov 2021): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 11 Nov 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
ICT SuiteGymnasiumLibraryScience LabsMusic RoomsArt StudiosTennis CourtsAstro TurfSports HallDining HallChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

TennisFootballDanceNetballRoundersCross CountryRugbyGymnasticsCricketAthletics

Clubs & Activities

DebateChoirEco ClubDramaChessOrchestraBook Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning Difficulty

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Excel Academy

The Excel Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.