Watling Academy

Secondary
Free school
Ages 11 to 18

Ofsted: Outstanding

Barrosa Way, Milton Keynes, MK8 1EPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

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 (opens in a new tab)

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

School	Distance	Ofsted	Results
The Hazeley Academy	1 mile	Ofsted: Good	Attainment 8: 45.4
Denbigh School	2 miles	Ofsted: Good	Attainment 8: 54.3
The Radcliffe School	2 miles	Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good	Attainment 8: 38.2
Shenley Brook End School	2 miles	Ofsted: Good	Attainment 8: 45.4
Elizabeth Woodville School	3 miles	Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good	Attainment 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 (opens in a new tab)
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.