Queen Katharine Academy, Peterborough

In its own words: ""Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela After working with groups of students and staff, we are pleased to launch our ‘QKA Way’. Our academy mantra demonstrates our belief that providing our students with a world-class education will enable them to positively influence the world."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I’m Mark Taylor, the new Principal, and I’m thrilled to lead this remarkable school. Our diverse community is a wonderful place for students, parents, and staff alike. With more than 20 years of experience in education, I’m excited to bring my passion for learning and growth to QKA."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include Lego, STEM, Duke of Edinburgh and cadets.

In 2026, pupils at Queen Katharine Academy averaged an Attainment 8 score of 32.5, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 45.5 in Peterborough and 47 across England.

21% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 43% in Peterborough and 47% in England.

That is in line with 2025, when the score was 32.5.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.64: pupils made well below average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 26.9, against 37.4 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 10.5 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 25 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, Business Studies and History.

For September 2026 entry, 107 families put Queen Katharine Academy as their first choice and 305 named it as one of their preferences, for 146 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Queen Katharine Academy are Ken Stimpson Academy (0.9 miles, Attainment 8 39.4); Manor Drive Secondary Academy (1.6 miles); Thomas Deacon Academy (1.9 miles, Good, Attainment 8 40.4); and Jack Hunt Academy (2 miles, Good, Attainment 8 45.6).

Each of them had higher 2026 results than Queen Katharine Academy.

Queen Katharine Academy is one of 7 schools run by Thomas Deacon Education Trust, an academy trust.

66 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Queen Katharine Academy (as of September 2025): 30% would recommend the school, 42% say their child is happy there and 40% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school has high expectations for their child (49%); the weakest, that pupils behave well (26%).

Of the 230 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 82% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 34% to a further education college, 1% to an apprenticeship and 1% into work.

Of the 148 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 53% went on to university or other higher education, 3% to apprenticeships and 23% into work. 5% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

45.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 53.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (33%), Asian (20%) and Black (12%).

In 2026, 192 pupils (11.9%) received SEN support and 37 (2.3%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Peterborough Rail Station, about 2.4 miles away in a straight line.

17 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Corfe Avenue (adjacent), 250 metres away.

In 2024/25, Queen Katharine Academy issued 1614 suspensions, 95.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 17 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Queen Katharine Academy are Discovery Primary Academy (0.2 miles), Werrington Primary School (0.4 miles), Gunthorpe Primary School (0.6 miles) and Lime Academy Watergall (0.7 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.