The Winsford Academy
78%
Capacity
1,023
Pupils
1.2x
Demand
About The Winsford Academy
The Winsford Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Cheshire West and Chester community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,023 pupils on roll, operating at 78% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Winsford Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Emma-Jane McLaren, it falls under Cheshire West and Chester local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.10 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 29.3. Additionally, ranked 3050th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 18th out of 19 in Cheshire West and Chester.
The Winsford Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 179 applications for 147 places, making it 1.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 144 were first-preference applications.
The Winsford Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 56% recommending the school (169 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 3 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Other Difficulty/Disability. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Winsford Academy include Science Labs, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Library, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Football, Rugby, Athletics and 4 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, DofE, Eco Club, Drama and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 43.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cheshire West and Chester, The Winsford 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Grange Lane, Winsford, Cheshire West and Chester, CW7 2BT |
| Headteacher | Emma-Jane McLaren |
| Local Authority | Cheshire West and Chester |
| Number of Pupils | 1,023 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 43.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,023 / 1,312 (78% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Nov 2022Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 30 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.10)
3050th of 3,141
Nationally
423rd of 445
In North West
18th of 19
In Cheshire West and Chester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
Ofsted Parent View
169 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
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed147
179
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
144 families put this school as their 1st choice (80% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Winsford 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
Grange Lane, Winsford
Cheshire West and Chester, CW7 2BT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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