Samuel Ward Academy
Chalkstone Way, Haverhill, CB9 0LDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Samuel Ward Academy is a secondary school in Haverhill for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 357 schools in Suffolk. It ranks 20th of 43 secondary schools in Suffolk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 1 November 2022, report published 7 December 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 1 November 2022
Samuel Ward Academy is a warm, welcoming school. Pupils get on well with each other and with staff. Staff care about pupils and students in the sixth form and want the best for them. Pupils who find school life tricky or who need extra help are supported well by staff. Pupils can visit places such as 'the study' to receive support for their well-being or get additional help with their learning. Pupils respect staff and each other. Pupils' behaviour continues to improve because pupils have responded to the raised expectations within the new behaviour system. Lessons are seldom disrupted and most pupils enjoy their learning. Pupils are kept safe in this school. Any bullying is dealt with quickly by staff. Pupils understand that prejudicial language is not tolerated. Pupils 'call this out' when it happens. Pupils trust staff to sort out their worries or concerns. Pupils experience a well-planned personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) curriculum. This is complemented by a range of assemblies, form time and personal development lessons. As a result, pupils have a good understanding about topics, like diversity, citizenship and healthy relationships. Pupils enjoy the 'enrichment programme'. This offers a number of different experiences, like film club and 'book and biscuits'.
What the school should improve
- Some teachers do not always adapt their lessons effectively to cater for the needs of pupils with SEND. This means that these pupils do not always achieve as well as they could. Leaders should ensure all staff have the right knowledge and training, so that all pupils with SEND get the support they need to learn successfully.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
195 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
49 students
Average A level grade D, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,076 pupils on roll, with places for 1,250
Schools near Samuel Ward Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Manor Academy | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 40.3 |
| Stour Valley Community School | 6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.5 |
| Linton Village College | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 52.4 |
| Hedingham School and Sixth Form | 9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 39.9 |
| Saffron Walden County High School | 10 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 59.7 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- UNITY SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Tom Johnston
- Phone
- 01440761511
- Address
- Chalkstone Way, Haverhill, CB9 0LD
- Local authority
- Suffolk
- URN
- 136322
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.