John Smeaton Academy
Barwick Road, Leeds, LS15 8TAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
John Smeaton Academy is a secondary school in Leeds for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 295 schools in Leeds. It ranks 30th of 33 secondary schools in Leeds. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 30 April 2024, report published 19 June 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 30 April 2024
Leaders and staff have worked closely with pupils to bring about a startling transformation at this school. Pupils share the ambitions that staff have for them and value the kindness shown to them. This school is now a beacon for its community. Pupils, staff, parents and carers are right to be proud of all that they have achieved. Pupils behave well. They are kind to their peers and speak to staff and visitors with warmth and respect. Pupils increasingly benefit from the well-considered curriculum that is in place. Some pupils join the school at different points of the school year. Staff take time to find out what each pupil needs. As a result, pupils settle in quickly. Older pupils speak of the positive changes they have seen and the opportunities that they now have. They know that the school is providing them with 'the gift of choice'. They are increasingly well prepared for their next steps. The school is determined to address disadvantage, to raise pupils' ambitions and give them opportunities to develop their talents and interests. The 'enrichment++' clubs and activities are numerous, well attended and include the 'BIG 3' of karate, rowing and volleyball. Pupils experience many exciting trips and competitions alongside opportunities to give something back to the community. All of this, and more, helps pupils to flourish.
What the school should improve
- Some pupils do not attend school often enough and miss out on important learning. This limits the amount of progress that they make. The school should review and intensify actions to improve attendance so that all pupils succeed.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
112 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
677 pupils on roll, with places for 900
Schools near John Smeaton Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds East Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 32.7 |
| Temple Moor High School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 45.9 |
| Bishop Young Church of England Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 36.9 |
| Temple Learning Academy | 2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 33.7 |
| Corpus Christi Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 35.1 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE GORSE ACADEMIES TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Andrew Moncur
- Phone
- 01138313900
- Address
- Barwick Road, Leeds, LS15 8TA
- Local authority
- Leeds
- URN
- 148793
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.