Vale of York Academy
77%
Capacity
701
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Vale of York Academy
Vale of York Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the York community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 701 pupils on roll, operating at 77% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Vale of York Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Gillian Mills, it falls under York 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 43.7. Additionally, ranked 1674th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 8 in York.
Vale of York Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 187 applications for 143 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 131 were first-preference applications.
Vale of York Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 72% recommending the school (60 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Vale of York Academy include Tennis Courts, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Tennis, Netball, Martial Arts and 3 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Coding, Debate, Orchestra and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.5%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in York, Vale of York Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber 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 | Rawcliffe Drive, York, York, YO30 6ZS |
| Headteacher | Gillian Mills |
| Local Authority | York |
| Number of Pupils | 701 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.5% |
| School Capacity | 701 / 905 (77% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Feb 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (5 Feb 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 10 Dec 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.06)
1674th of 3,141
Nationally
150th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
7th of 8
In York
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.
Ofsted Parent View
60 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
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed143
187
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
131 families put this school as their 1st choice (70% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vale of York 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
Rawcliffe Drive, York
York, YO30 6ZS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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