The Farnley Academy
124%
Capacity
1,501
Pupils
2.6x
Demand
About The Farnley Academy
The Farnley Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Leeds community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,501 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (124% of 1,210 places).
the school is led by headteacher Wayne Little, it falls under Leeds local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.53 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 49.3. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 470th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 42 in Leeds.
The Farnley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 766 applications for 298 places, making it 2.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 353 were first-preference applications.
The Farnley Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 93% recommending the school (45 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Farnley Academy include Science Labs, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Library, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Hockey, Rounders, Cross Country and 5 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Art Club, Young Enterprise, Drama and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 32.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Leeds, The Farnley Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber 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 | None |
| Address | Chapel Lane, Leeds, Leeds, LS12 5EU |
| Headteacher | Wayne Little |
| Local Authority | Leeds |
| Number of Pupils | 1,501 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 32.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,501 / 1,210 (124% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 10 Oct 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.53)
470th of 3,141
Nationally
34th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
10th of 42
In Leeds
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more 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
45 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
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
2025/26Oversubscribed298
766
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
353 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Farnley 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
Chapel Lane, Leeds
Leeds, LS12 5EU
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 The Farnley Academy!
Write a Review