The Sutton Academy
94%
Capacity
1,451
Pupils
2.0x
Demand
About The Sutton Academy
The Sutton Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the St. Helens community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,451 pupils on roll and is well-filled (94% of 1,550 places).
Ofsted has rated The Sutton Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paul Willerton, it falls under St. Helens local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.06 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1667th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 9 in St. Helens.
The Sutton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 503 applications for 254 places, making it 2.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 259 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Sutton Academy include Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Library, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Athletics, Swimming, Netball and 5 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Orchestra, Art Club, Eco Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 38.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in St. Helens, The Sutton Academy is one of the options available in the North 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 | Elton Head Road, St Helens, St. Helens, WA9 5AU |
| Headteacher | Paul Willerton |
| Local Authority | St. Helens |
| Number of Pupils | 1,451 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 38.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,451 / 1,550 (94% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 17 Jul 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.06)
1667th of 3,141
Nationally
183rd of 445
In North West
4th of 9
In St. Helens
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
27.8
'22/23
29.8
'23/24
25.3
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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed254
503
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
259 families put this school as their 1st choice (51% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Sutton 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
Elton Head Road, St Helens
St. Helens, WA9 5AU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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