OA - Suffolk, Stowmarket

In its own words: "Find out how children and young people (7 - 16 years old) can be offered a place at our academy. A supportive and innovative place to work. Join a team of people who are passionate about removing barriers to learning for children and young people. A pioneering network of alternative provision academies across London, Kent and the East of England."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At OA-Suffolk we strive to help, support and guide pupils in their learning towards academic and vocational success and in all areas of their personal development. We celebrate our pupils' individual personalities, support their needs and share in the hopes of families."

Across Suffolk, 93% of families were offered their first-choice secondary school for 2026 entry, and 98% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2026, families in Suffolk lodged 177 appeals against secondary school offers; 128 reached a hearing and 22 succeeded (17.2% of those heard).

The nearest other state secondary schools to OA - Suffolk are Stowmarket High School (0.2 miles, Requires improvement, Attainment 8 42.5); and Stowupland High School (2.1 miles, Attainment 8 40.1).

OA - Suffolk is one of 6 schools run by Olive Academies, an academy trust.

50% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

Almost every pupil at OA - Suffolk has an education, health and care plan (2 of 2 in 2026). The most common need among them is autism.

The nearest railway station is Entrance2, about 1.1 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Stow Lodge (adjacent), 70 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 60 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Suffolk (32), as is usual near a town centre.

The primary schools closest to OA - Suffolk are Wood Ley Community Primary School (0.2 miles), Grace Cook Primary School (0.5 miles), Chilton Community Primary School (0.6 miles) and Abbot's Hall Community Primary School (0.8 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.