The Link Academy
97%
Capacity
1,014
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About The Link Academy
The Link Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Dudley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,014 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated The Link Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Emma Edwards-Morgan, it falls under Dudley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.02 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.8. Additionally, ranked 1553rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 17 in Dudley.
The Link Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 344 applications for 204 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 196 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Link Academy include Sixth Form Centre, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Theatre, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Football, Basketball, Cross Country and 3 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Young Enterprise, Science Club, Art Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 49.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dudley, The Link Academy is one of the options available in the West Midlands 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 | Simms Lane, Dudley, Dudley, DY2 0PB |
| Headteacher | Emma Edwards-Morgan |
| Local Authority | Dudley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,014 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 49.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,014 / 1,050 (97% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Feb 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 31 Mar 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.02)
1553rd of 3,141
Nationally
154th of 371
In West Midlands
8th of 17
In Dudley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
2025/26Oversubscribed204
344
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
196 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 Link 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
Simms Lane, Dudley
Dudley, DY2 0PB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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