Westbourne Academy
93%
Capacity
1,038
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About Westbourne Academy
Westbourne Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Ipswich community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,038 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 1,120 places).
Ofsted has rated Westbourne Academy "Inadequate", the school is led by headteacher Martin Higgon, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.38 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.6. Additionally, ranked 2412th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 6 in Ipswich.
Westbourne Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 227 applications for 202 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 157 were first-preference applications.
Westbourne Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is below average, with 30% recommending the school (133 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 Westbourne Academy include Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Science Labs.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Cross Country, Hockey, Swimming and 2 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Newspaper, Choir, Model UN and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 38.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Ipswich, Westbourne Academy is one of the options available in the East of England 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 | None |
| Address | Marlow Road, Ipswich, Ipswich, IP1 5JN |
| Headteacher | Martin Higgon |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 1,038 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 38.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,038 / 1,120 (93% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Jun 2025Quality of Education
Inadequate
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 21 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.38)
2412th of 3,141
Nationally
280th of 350
In East of England
5th of 6
In Ipswich
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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
133 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
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed202
227
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
157 families put this school as their 1st choice (69% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westbourne 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
Marlow Road, Ipswich
Ipswich, IP1 5JN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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