Unity Academy Blackpool
93%
Capacity
946
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Unity Academy Blackpool
Unity Academy Blackpool is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Blackpool community, welcoming children from age 2 to 16. The school has 946 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 1,020 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Unity Academy Blackpool "Inadequate", the school is led by headteacher John Connolly, it falls under Blackpool local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.94 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 26.5. Additionally, ranked 3127th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 9 in Blackpool.
Unity Academy Blackpool is a popular choice with families — it received 208 applications for 119 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 114 were first-preference applications.
Unity Academy Blackpool parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 63% recommending the school (76 responses).
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 Unity Academy Blackpool include Theatre, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Rugby, Hockey, Basketball and 6 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Choir, Newspaper, Science Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 60.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackpool, Unity Academy Blackpool 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 | 2 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Warbreck Hill Road, Blackpool, Blackpool, FY2 0TS |
| Headteacher | John Connolly |
| Local Authority | Blackpool |
| Number of Pupils | 946 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 60.3% |
| School Capacity | 946 / 1,020 (93% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Inadequate
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 6 Mar 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.94)
3127th of 3,141
Nationally
444th of 445
In North West
9th of 9
In Blackpool
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
76 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
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed119
208
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
114 families put this school as their 1st choice (55% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unity Academy Blackpool
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
Warbreck Hill Road, Blackpool
Blackpool, FY2 0TS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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