Samuel Ward Academy, Haverhill

From the headteacher's welcome: "Samuel Ward Academy is a warm, welcoming school, at the heart of our community, committed to creating rich and fulfilling futures for each child. We ensure that our students aspire to be their very best, tackle challenges bravely and work together with compassion to build an inclusive community in which each individual can flourish."

In 2026, pupils at Samuel Ward Academy averaged an Attainment 8 score of 38.2, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 43.4 in Suffolk and 47 across England.

32% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 40% in Suffolk and 47% in England.

That is down from 43.8 in 2025.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.23: pupils made 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 25.9, against 40.8 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 14.9 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 24 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, Geography and Art and Design.

For September 2026 entry, 148 families put Samuel Ward Academy as their first choice and 242 named it as one of their preferences, for 186 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

Samuel Ward Academy is one of 40 schools run by Unity Schools Partnership, an academy trust.

Across the trust's secondary schools, pupils averaged an Attainment 8 score of 44.3 in 2024/25.

Of the 228 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 81% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 40% to a further education college, 5% to an apprenticeship and 5% into work.

Of the 67 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 40% went on to university or other higher education, 9% to apprenticeships and 36% into work. 9% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

Samuel Ward Academy provides for pupils with speech, language and communication needs.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Samuel Ward Academy.

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Samuel Ward School (adjacent), 180 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 90 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 Suffolk (32), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Samuel Ward Academy issued 318 suspensions, 27.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 2 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Samuel Ward Academy are Westfield Primary Academy (0.3 miles), New Cangle Community Primary School (0.6 miles), Place Farm Primary Academy (0.8 miles) and Coupals Primary Academy (0.8 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.