Watling Academy

  • Secondary
  • Free school
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Outstanding

Barrosa Way, Milton Keynes, MK8 1EPOpen in maps

Watling Academy is a secondary school in Milton Keynes for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 121 schools in Milton Keynes. It ranks 1st of 15 secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 16 May 2023, report published 2 July 2023

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

Read the full Ofsted report

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 May 2023

Leaders have exceedingly high aspirations for every pupil at this school. They are determined that background or circumstance should not be a barrier to academic success or personal development. These aspirations are underpinned by the school's values of 'respect, responsibility and kindness'. Pupils live and breathe these values every day. Consequently, behaviour is excellent, and pupils feel safe and happy in school. On the very rare occasions bullying happens, they are confident about asking staff for help. Leaders ensure that issues are dealt with swiftly and well. Pupils are proud of the school's inclusive nature, where diversity is cherished. Leaders set very high expectations for all pupils' work. Teachers inspire pupils to think deeply and achieve highly. Pupils enjoy being challenged because they feel safe and supported in lessons. Across the curriculum, they routinely meet and exceed these high expectations. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Parents and carers are tremendously supportive of the school. They share the school's values and appreciate that their children are seen and valued as individuals. As one parent said: 'This school believes in the pupils.'

Read the full Ofsted report

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

181 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score50.4

50.4, 4.3 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths55.2%

55.2%, 9.8 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths77.9%

77.9%, 13.1 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc72.4%

72.4%, 31.9 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.74

4.74, 0.65 above the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

1,767 pupils on roll, with places for 2,250

Eligible for free school meals22.9%

22.9%, 3.6 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language27.1%

27.1%, 5.5 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10.4%

10.4%, 4.4 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.7%

2.7%, 3.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Watling Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The Hazeley Academy1 mileOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 45.4
Denbigh School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 54.3
The Radcliffe School2 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 38.2
Shenley Brook End School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 45.4
Elizabeth Woodville School3 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 44.9

School details

School type
Free schools
Sector
Free school
Trust
THE ALLIANCE SCHOOLS TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Emma Anderson
Phone
01908794094
Website
watlingacademy.net
Address
Barrosa Way, Milton Keynes, MK8 1EP
Local authority
Milton Keynes
URN
147860

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.