Holyrood Academy
Zembard Lane, Chard, TA20 1JLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Holyrood Academy is a secondary school in Chard for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 301 schools in Somerset. It ranks 22nd of 27 secondary schools in Somerset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 7 February 2023, report published 26 April 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 7 February 2023
Most pupils enjoy learning and aspire to do well. Pupils have a breadth of options to develop their wider interests. For example, they join sport clubs and get involved in school events, such as the recent school production, 'The Addams Family'. Pupils enrich their learning through educational visits, such as those to Paris to practise their French, and Glasgow to view the art galleries. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, receive appropriate careers guidance. They are well informed about their choices and how to enter the world of work, apprenticeships and further education. Pupils and staff have positive relationships. Leaders have strengthened the support available for pupils. For example, pupils who experience mental health difficulties can access help readily and effectively. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They value the recognition they receive when they attend school regularly. Pupils state that bullying is not an issue at the school and that staff resolve problems when they occur. Leaders deal with any instances of poor behaviour well. For example, leaders encourage pupils to reflect on the impact of the language they use. Pupils gain leadership skills through their roles as prefects. Students in the sixth form have many opportunities to lead. For example, they organise social events, such as discos.
What the school should improve
- The needs of some pupils with SEND are not met consistently well. Therefore, such pupils do not learn the curriculum successfully. Leaders must ensure that teachers use the information they have about pupils' needs to adapt the curriculum in response.
- Leaders have not communicated with parents clearly enough about aspects of the school's work. Consequently, some parents and carers express dissatisfaction that they have not been well informed about some of the changes that have been made. Leaders should consider how they can develop stronger links with parents and carers to engage with them in a positive and constructive way.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
232 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
58 students
Average A level grade C-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,282 pupils on roll, with places for 1,300
Schools near Holyrood Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axe Valley Academy | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 39.2 |
| Wadham School | 8 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 42.3 |
| The Woodroffe School | 10 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 51.4 |
| Bishop Fox's School | 11 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.9 |
| Richard Huish College | 11 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Joseph Bispham
- Phone
- 01460260100
- Address
- Zembard Lane, Chard, TA20 1JL
- Local authority
- Somerset
- URN
- 136295
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.