Best 3 Secondary schools in West Northamptonshire – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Northampton Academy (Secondary) in Northampton; Northampton School for Boys (Secondary) in Northampton; Sponne School (Secondary) in Towcester — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Northampton Academy, Northampton School for Boys and Sponne School. They are secondary phase and academy sponsor led and academy converter type located around Northampton, Northamptonshire and Towcester, Northamptonshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Northampton Academy), published May 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Northampton Academy (May 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,600, combined total ≈ 4,850, typical FSM 15–20%, range 10–15%–25–30%; spread across trusts such as UNITED LEARNING TRUST, THE NSB TRUST and TOVE LEARNING TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Northampton Academy NN3 8NH	Northampton School for Boys NN1 5RT	Sponne School NN12 6DJ
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Northampton Northamptonshire NN3 8NH	Northampton Northamptonshire NN1 5RT	Towcester Northamptonshire NN12 6DJ
Latest Ofsted	1 11 May 2023	1 1 Dec 2014	1 23 Oct 2012
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,700 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,700 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1570	1617	1373
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Boys	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	UNITED LEARNING TRUST	THE NSB TRUST	TOVE LEARNING TRUST
Website	www.northampton-academy.org	www.nsb.northants.sch.uk	www.sponne.org.uk
Telephone	01604210017	01604230240	01327350284
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Northampton Academy

NN3 8NH

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN3 8NH
Ofsted: 1 11 May 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,700 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Website: www.northampton-academy.org
Telephone: 01604210017

Northampton School for Boys

NN1 5RT

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 5RT
Ofsted: 1 1 Dec 2014
Pupils: ≈ 1,700 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE NSB TRUST
Website: www.nsb.northants.sch.uk
Telephone: 01604230240

Sponne School

NN12 6DJ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 6DJ
Ofsted: 1 23 Oct 2012
Pupils: ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: TOVE LEARNING TRUST
Website: www.sponne.org.uk
Telephone: 01327350284

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.