GW
Great Western Academy
Swindon·South West·Free School
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SecondaryFree SchoolAges 11–18Co-edNone
Great Western Academy is a secondary free school in Swindon, South West. It has not yet been rated by students on y.school. Be the first to rate this free school and help other students and parents understand what the school experience is really like.
In terms of academic performance, Great Western Academy has a Progress 8 score of +0.12 (above the national average), an Attainment 8 score of 47.7, 72% of students achieving grade 4+ in English and Maths, an average A-Level grade of C.
The school has 1,025 pupils on roll, a teacher turnover rate of 20.1%, 14% of pupils eligible for free school meals, an overall absence rate of 7.6%.
After leaving Great Western Academy, student destinations include 59% going on to university and 6% entering apprenticeships.
All student scores on y.school are calculated from anonymous ratings using a transparent, deterministic methodology. Scores are freshness-weighted (18-month half-life) and include confidence tiers based on sample size, diversity, and consistency. For full details, see the y.school methodology.
Great Western Academy has a Progress 8 score of +0.12, which is above the national average of 0. Progress 8 measures how much progress students make between the end of Key Stage 2 and their GCSE results, compared to students with similar starting points nationally.
The school's Attainment 8 score is 47.7. Attainment 8 measures the average achievement of students across 8 qualifications including English, Maths, three EBacc subjects, and three open group qualifications.
72% of students at Great Western Academy achieved grade 4 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs.
Students at Great Western Academy achieve an average A-Level grade of C. This metric covers all A-Level and equivalent qualifications taken at the school.
Great Western Academy has an overall absence rate of 7.6%. The national average for secondary schools is approximately 5.5%.
The teacher turnover rate at Great Western Academy is 20.1%. This measures the percentage of teachers who left the school in the past year.
Great Western Academy has 1,025 pupils on roll.
14% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is used as a proxy for socioeconomic disadvantage.
After leaving Great Western Academy, 59% go on to university and 6% enter apprenticeships.
Source: Department for Education, Ofsted. Data shown for context only — does not influence the Student Score.
Data last updated: April 2026
Great Western Academy was rated "Good" by Ofsted following an inspection in January 2023 (3 years ago). Based on Ofsted's inspection cycle, Great Western Academy is next inspection expected around 2027.
A "Good" rating means Ofsted found the school provides a high standard of education across all areas assessed. Around 65% of schools in England are rated Good, making it the most common rating.
Note: From November 2025, Ofsted replaced single-word judgements with detailed report cards covering multiple categories. While Great Western Academy's rating shown above was awarded under the previous system, Ofsted now provides more granular assessments. For the most up-to-date inspection information, check the school's report card on the Ofsted website.
Ofsted data is displayed for context only and does not influence the Student Score. For the official Ofsted report, visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk.
Crime Nearby
20/mo
Within ~1 mile (Police.uk)
Violent Crime
11/mo
55% of total
Air Quality
Good
NO₂: 8.1 µg/m³ · PM2.5: 6.1
Bus Stops
1
Within 500m
Source: Police.uk, DEFRA UK-Air, DfT NaPTAN. Based on the school's location — actual conditions may vary.
Great Western Academy has not updated their profile
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Other schools in the Swindon area
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Source: Department for Education / Ofsted. Data shown for context only — does not influence the Student Score. Small schools may show extreme percentages due to small sample sizes.