Classpot

The Winsford Academy

Cheshire West and Chester, CW7 2BTSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Requires Improvement
Nov 2022
Progress 8
-1.10
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
144 1st-choice / 147 places
Ranking
#3,050
of 3,141 nationally

About The Winsford Academy

Ofsted’s Parent View survey, based on 169 responses collected between September 2024 and September 2025, shows that 56% of parents would recommend The Winsford Academy to another family, while 44% would not. That split is reflected in the detail: 64% of parents agree or strongly agree that their child is happy, and 63% feel their child is safe. However, only 45% agree that the school deals with concerns properly, and a notable 33% strongly disagree that SEND children get the support they need. Behaviour is a particular flashpoint — just 45% agree pupils are well behaved, with 50% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. On the plus side, 83% of parents say there is a good range of subjects, and 74% agree their child can take part in clubs and activities. The school is oversubscribed for 2025/26, with 179 applications for 147 places, giving a ratio of 1.22 applicants per place, and 144 first-preference offers were made.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressGrange Lane, Winsford, Cheshire West and Chester, CW7 2BT
HeadteacherEmma-Jane McLaren
Local AuthorityCheshire West and Chester
Number of Pupils1,023
Free School Meals (FSM)43.5%
School Capacity1,023 / 1,312 (78% full)

The full report on this school

What 169 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, 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
See an example
One-off paymentNo subscriptionStripe checkout

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

15 Nov 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal Development
Requires improvement
Leadership & Management
Requires improvement

Source: Ofsted, 30 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
Science LabsSports HallSwimming PoolLibraryAstro TurfMusic RoomsSixth Form CentreChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

13

Sports

BadmintonFootballRugbyAthleticsTennisCricketRowingRounders

Clubs & Activities

Art ClubDuke of EdinburghEco ClubDramaChoir

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

SEND Support

Mental HealthLearning DifficultyOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:45 – 15:15

Source: winsford.academy. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

Was this page helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions About The Winsford Academy

The Winsford Academy has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.