The Canterbury Academy, Canterbury
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data. Admissions policy: Non-selective
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 8 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
This school truly lives by its motto of being 'a school for all the talents'. Teachers work exceptionally hard to remove barriers to learning so every child can thrive, whether they have additional needs or not. Pupils develop strong character, confidence and knowledge about the world around them through excellent personal development, enrichment activities and careers support that prepares them well for their futures.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional inclusion and support for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged students
- Ambitious personal development programme covering consent, relationships, online safety and democracy
- Highly inclusive sixth form with over 70 qualifications meeting diverse student needs
- Strong pastoral support and careers guidance with excellent progression to universities and employment
- Positive behaviour and calm, respectful atmosphere throughout the school
Areas for Improvement
- Pupils' overall examination results at 16 remain below average, though improving
- Attendance levels below average, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND
- Teaching adaptations not yet consistently implemented effectively across all lessons
- Need to continue raising attendance levels to drive further achievement improvements
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Extracurricular Activities
Music, drama, sports, prefect roles, librarian roles, sports leaders, Canterbury Reads programme
The Canterbury Academy is a highly inclusive school that welcomes all pupils regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. It has a strong commitment to supporting pupils with additional needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
At a Glance
33.8%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
HI - Hearing Impairment, SLCN - Speech, language and Communication, ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
SEN Provision
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
18.8
Avg class size
72
Total classes
4 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
153%
Over capacity
1,984 pupils
1,300 capacity
684 places over capacity
Area Demand Pressure - Canterbury
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Canterbury
Admissions Demand - Kent
Places available
19,410
Applications
18,281
Got 1st preference
80.6%
Got preferred school
96.5%
Secondary admissions across Kent (2025/26)
Inspection History(7)
House Prices
Moving into the catchment? See what homes near this school actually cost
SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
10.91435%
Overall absence
29.54545%
Persistent absence
1,188
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
The Canterbury Academy
The Canterbury Primary School
St Peter's Methodist Primary School
Wincheap Foundation Primary School
Kent College Nursery, Infant and Junior School
St Johns Church of England Primary School
St Thomas' Catholic Primary School, Canterbury
St Stephen's Infant School
St Stephen's Junior School
Blean Primary School
Pilgrims' Way Primary School
Nearby Schools
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