The Link Academy, Dudley
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
Overall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
The Link Academy is an inclusive school where all pupils, including those with special needs and disadvantaged pupils, flourish and achieve well. Staff are caring and pupils feel supported, with excellent behaviour and attendance as a result of clear expectations and positive relationships. The school enriches pupils' education through meaningful trips, celebrations of different cultures, and a range of activities that prepare them well for their future.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional behaviour and attendance management with highly effective systems to support all pupils
- Outstanding pastoral care and wellbeing support tailored to individual pupil needs
- Highly effective inclusion of pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and looked-after children
- Strong leadership at all levels with clear focus on pupil outcomes
- Excellent careers guidance and preparation for next steps in education or employment
Areas for Improvement
- Teachers need to use assessment more precisely to identify learning gaps and adapt teaching accordingly
- Consistent embedding of highly effective teaching across all subjects
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have created an open culture of safeguarding where concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Chess club, debate club, band, school show, school council, student leadership team, charity fundraising events, trips to safari parks and museums
The Link Academy is an ambitious and inclusive school where pupils flourish with strong support systems in place. Leaders have created a calm, orderly environment with high expectations and excellent attitudes to learning across the school.
At a Glance
51.2%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
22.6
Avg class size
44
Total classes
2 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
96%
Near capacity
1,013 pupils
1,050 capacity
37 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Dudley
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Dudley
Admissions Demand - Dudley
Places available
3,770
Applications
3,731
Got 1st preference
83.9%
Got preferred school
97.1%
Secondary admissions across Dudley (2025/26)
Inspection History(103)
House Prices
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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
9.77093%
Overall absence
32.0632%
Persistent absence
1,076
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
The Link Academy
Northfield Road Primary School
Netherton CofE Primary School
Sledmere Primary School
Blowers Green Primary School
Woodside Primary School and Nursery
Netherbrook Primary School
Dudley Wood Primary School
Kates Hill Primary School
Jesson's Church of England Primary School
Springfield Primary School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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