Classpot

Watling Academy

Milton Keynes, MK8 1EPSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
May 2023
Progress 8
No data
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
375 1st-choice / 356 places
Ranking
Not ranked

About Watling Academy

Watling Academy sits within Milton Keynes local authority, one of only three secondary schools in the area to hold an Outstanding Ofsted rating out of sixteen total. It ranks among the top performers locally, alongside St Paul's Catholic School, Oakgrove School and The Hazeley Academy. The school is a mixed, non-denominational state secondary with a sixth form, led by headteacher Emma Anderson. Its capacity of 2,250 places makes it one of the larger schools in the region, and with 1,500 pupils currently on roll, there is room for further growth. The school is heavily oversubscribed: for the 2025/26 intake, it received 1,093 applications for 356 places, with 375 first-preference applications and only 298 first-preference offers. That works out at roughly three applicants for every place, a clear sign of its popularity among local families.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressBarrosa Way, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes, MK8 1EP
HeadteacherEmma Anderson
Local AuthorityMilton Keynes
Number of Pupils1,500
Free School Meals (FSM)22.7%
School Capacity1,500 / 2,250 (67% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, 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
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

16 May 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding

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

Facilities

11
Tennis CourtsSixth Form CentreMusic RoomsICT SuiteTheatreLibraryGymnasiumScience LabsPlaying FieldsAstro TurfSports Hall

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

14

Sports

FootballCricketMartial ArtsCross CountryBadmintonGymnasticsAthletics

Clubs & Activities

Eco ClubCodingModel United NationsDebateDramaDuke of EdinburghYoung Enterprise

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Watling Academy

Watling Academy has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.