Friars Academy
| Type | Special School / Academy special converter |
| Age Range | 11-18 |
| Religion | Does not apply |
| Address | Friars Close Wellingborough Northamptonshire NN8 2LA |
| Phone | 01933304950 |
| Reference Number | 140277 |
Friars Academy has demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining high educational standards, having effectively taken action since its last inspection. The school offers a nurturing environment where pupils feel valued, safe, and engaged, fostering a community centered around respect, kindness, and integrity. There is a well-structured curriculum in place that meets the diverse needs of students, particularly those with special educational needs, ensuring they are well-prepared for future educational and career opportunities. The leadership team, supported by the Better Together Learning Trust, actively promotes the well-being of both staff and pupils, creating a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
General Makeup
| Number of pupils | 143 |
| Boy/Girl ratio |
Boys: 71.33%
Girls: 28.67% |
| Percentage of students eligible for free school meals | 47.4% |
| Percentage of students where English is not their first language | 10.5% |
Year Groups
| Year | Boys | Girls | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 17 | 4 | 21 |
| 8 | 21 | 11 | 32 |
| 9 | 18 | 6 | 24 |
| 10 | 22 | 8 | 30 |
| 11 | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| 12 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 13 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
Ethnicities
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White, British | 76.2% |
| White, Other | 5.6% |
| White & Black (Caribbean) | 4.9% |
| Mixed, Other | 2.8% |
| African | 2.1% |
| Unclassified | 1.4% |
| Caribbean | 1.4% |
| White & Asian | 0.7% |
| Asian, Other | 0.7% |
| Overall Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Last Report Date | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Date | Report |
|---|---|
| 14 Jan 2025 | School inspection |
| 22 May 2019 | Short inspection |
| 04 Jun 2015 | Full inspection: |
| 05 Nov 2013 | Academy conversion letter |
| 11 Jul 2011 | Full inspection: |
| Previously as Friars School | |
| 11 Jul 2011 | Full inspection: |
| 25 Jun 2008 | Full inspection: |
| 25 Jun 2008 | Full inspection: |
| 20 Apr 2004 | Full inspection |
| 20 Apr 2004 | Full inspection |
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy attending Friars Academy and feel safe and valued.
- The school has a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum tailored for a range of pupils.
- Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and provide effective feedback on pupil performance.
- Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and show commitment to their education.
- The school promotes extensive personal development opportunities for all pupils.
- High expectations of behaviour are maintained effectively across the school.
Destinations after GCSE's
| Staying in Education | |
| > Further Education | |
| > School Sixth Form | |
| > Sixth Form College | |
| > Other Education | |
| Apprenticeships | |
| Employment | |
| Not in education or employment | |
| Unknown |
| Name | Distance |
|
St Barnabas Church of England School
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0.42 miles |
|
Croyland Nursery School & Day Nursery
Croyland Road, WELLINGBOROUGH, NN8 2AX |
0.42 miles |
|
Refocus
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0.42 miles |
|
All Saints CEVA Primary School and Nursery
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0.43 miles |
|
Croyland Primary School
Croyland Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 2AX |
0.44 miles |
|
Park Junior School, Wellingborough
Great Park Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4PH |
0.5 miles |
|
Freemans Endowed Church of England Junior Academy
Westfield Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 3HD |
0.53 miles |
|
The Avenue Infant School
The Avenue, The Avenue Infant School, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4ET |
0.56 miles |
|
Warwick Academy
Dulley Avenue, Wellingborough, NN8 2PS |
0.67 miles |
|
Our Lady's Catholic Primary School
Henshaw Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 2BE |
0.74 miles |
|
Victoria Primary Academy
Finedon Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4NT |
0.83 miles |
|
Highfield Nursery School
Finedon Road, Wellingborough, NN8 4AB |
0.84 miles |
|
Rowan Gate Primary School - Four Sites
Rowan Gate Primary School, Finedon Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4NS |
0.88 miles |
|
Oakway Academy
102 Oakway, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4SD |
1.13 miles |
|
Ruskin Infant School
Ruskin Avenue, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 3EG |
1.25 miles |
|
Ruskin Academy
Ruskin Avenue, Wellingborough, NN8 3EG |
1.25 miles |
|
Olympic Primary
Olympic Way, Wellingborough, NN8 3QA |
1.27 miles |
|
Redwell Primary School
Barnwell Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 5LQ |
1.32 miles |
|
Stanton Cross Primary School
Waverley Drive, Stanton Cross, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 1GN |
1.58 miles |
|
Great Doddington Primary
Church Lane, Great Doddington, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN29 7TR |
1.68 miles |
| Name | Distance |
|
Wrenn School
London Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 2DQ |
0.25 miles |
|
Wellingborough School
London Road, Wellingborough, NN8 2BX |
0.29 miles |
|
Sir Christopher Hatton Academy
The Pyghtle, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4RP |
0.78 miles |
|
Weavers Academy
Brickhill Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 3JH |
0.84 miles |
|
Wollaston School
Irchester Road, Wollaston, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN29 7PH |
3.13 miles |
|
Rushden Academy
Hayway, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 6AG |
3.79 miles |
|
Huxlow Academy
Finedon Road, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, NN9 5TY |
3.79 miles |
|
The Ferrers School
Queensway, Higham Ferrers, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 8LF |
4.54 miles |
|
Chelveston Road School
Chelveston Road, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, NN10 8HN |
4.75 miles |