Staffordshire University Academy
Marston Road, Hednesford, Cannock, WS12 4JHOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Staffordshire University Academy is a secondary school in Cannock for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 451 schools in Staffordshire. It ranks 4th of 5 secondary schools in Cannock. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 10 October 2023, report published 15 November 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 10 October 2023
Pupils enjoy attending this caring school. There is a strong sense of community and togetherness. Pupils bake and sell cakes to raise money for charities, and they take part in the local arts project to commemorate Remembrance Day. There are many extra-curricular activities for pupils to take part in. Breakfast club, basketball, board games and netball are attended particularly well, including by pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour and pupils live up to these. They are respectful and well mannered. When pupils' behaviour falls short of that which is expected, the school get to the root of the issue. Pupils receive the right help at the right time. Workshops for self-esteem, anger management and managing emotions are provided. Pupils appreciate this support. As a result, pupils behave well. Pupils are positive about their life at school. They feel happy and safe. They know who to speak to if they require support. The 'pastoral hub' is used to give pupils the help they need if they feel overwhelmed or anxious. It also offers guidance to pupils with mental health issues. This helps pupils to get the right help at the right time. As a result, pupils are becoming increasingly independent.
What the school should improve
- The number of pupils opting to study a language at key stage 4 is low. This means that fewer pupils than the school aims for are studying the full range of EBacc subjects. The school should continue to implement its long-term plans and raise the profile of languages to improve the proportion of those who complete the EBacc.
- There are inconsistencies in how effectively pupils' understanding is checked before moving on to new learning. This means that, at times, misconceptions and gaps in knowledge persist for too long and pupils are not fully secure in their learning. The school should ensure that assessment is used effectively and appropriately to check that pupils have secured their understanding before moving on to new knowledge.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
71 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
18 students
Average A level grade D+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
709 pupils on roll, with places for 900
Schools near Staffordshire University Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsmead School | 1 mile | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 48.5 |
| Cannock Chase High School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 42.1 |
| Cardinal Griffin Catholic College | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 43.6 |
| Norton Canes High School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 34.8 |
| Great Wyrley Academy | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 39.0 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIES TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Rowena Hillier
- Phone
- 01543224700
- Address
- Marston Road, Hednesford, Cannock, WS12 4JH
- Local authority
- Staffordshire
- URN
- 137164
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.