Rushden Academy
Hayway, Rushden, NN10 6AGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Rushden Academy is a secondary school in Rushden for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 153 schools in North Northamptonshire. It ranks 11th of 19 secondary schools in North Northamptonshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 13 September 2022, report published 11 October 2022
- 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 13 September 2022
There are strong positive relationships between staff and pupils at this school. Pupils enjoy attending and staff are proud to work at the school. Many parents and carers would recommend the school. There is a clear focus on developing pupils as individuals as well as educating them. As one parent put it, 'Teachers are focused on getting the best out of pupils.' All members of this school community are a part of what is commonly known as 'Team Rushden'. This team encompasses a caring ethos, shared values and high expectations, which exude throughout the school. Pupils feel safe and happy in this environment. Pupils know what bullying is. Pupils said bullying does not happen often and when it does adults deal with it effectively. Pupils are confident in reporting poor behaviour, such as bullying. Pupils show positive attitudes to learning. They receive a good quality of education. Pupils enjoy a range of extra-curricular activities. Many are enthusiastic and proud to be a part of the highly anticipated school productions. Students agree that the sixth form is a positive environment which they really value. They appreciate the support they get from mentors and benefit from the expert subject knowledge of their teachers.
What the school should improve
- Leaders have not ensured that the curriculum in design and technology, in particular food and nutrition, is as well developed as all other areas of the curriculum. Pupils in key stage 3 do not benefit from learning about this as well as they should. Leaders should ensure that their plans to develop this part of the curriculum are implemented swiftly.
- On occasions, some teachers do not check well enough that all pupils have secured the knowledge they need to build on it further. A minority of pupils in a few lessons do not learn as well as they should. Leaders should ensure that all teachers check that all pupils have secured the most important knowledge.
- There are a small number of pupils that miss too much education through persistent absence. Leaders must continue to work with parents to ensure these pupils attend school more regularly, so that they benefit from the education the school is providing.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
151 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
47 students
Average A level grade D+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
961 pupils on roll, with places for 1,295
Schools near Rushden Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ferrers School | 0.8 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 38.9 |
| Huxlow Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 41.9 |
| Wellingborough School | 3 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 26.6 |
| Refocus | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Wrenn School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 40.9 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- TOVE LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Jonathan Firth
- Phone
- 01933350391
- Address
- Hayway, Rushden, NN10 6AG
- Local authority
- North Northamptonshire
- URN
- 146209
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.