Richard Barnes Academy, Peterborough

In its own words: "Richard Barnes Academy is an alternative provision academy which takes learners who have been permanently excluded or at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream schools. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum and our academy is a place where pupils experience many successes."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I am proud and honoured to be the Principal of Richard Barnes Academy, a two-campus alternative provision setting where all stakeholders work effectively and enthusiastically to ensure success for learners. Richard Barnes Academy enables young people to change the direction of their lives."

Across Peterborough, 83% of families were offered their first-choice secondary school for 2026 entry, and 97% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2026, families in Peterborough lodged 126 appeals against secondary school offers; 93 reached a hearing and 4 succeeded (4.3% of those heard).

The nearest other state secondary schools to Richard Barnes Academy are Clare Lodge (0.8 miles); Jack Hunt Academy (0.8 miles, Good, Attainment 8 45.6); The King's (The Cathedral) School (0.8 miles, Outstanding, Attainment 8 60.9); and Thomas Deacon Academy (1.1 miles, Good, Attainment 8 40.4).

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

Of the 44 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 41% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 41% to a further education college and 2% into work.

75.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 29 pupils (25.9%) received SEN support and 15 (13.4%) 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 530 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is West Parade (adjacent), 100 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Richard Barnes Academy stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 895 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Peterborough (275), as is usual near a town centre.

The primary schools closest to Richard Barnes Academy are West Town Primary Academy (under 0.1 miles), The Beeches Primary School (0.5 miles), Gladstone Primary Academy (0.5 miles) and Thorpe Primary Academy (0.8 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.