Is Bridgwater College Academy a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 10 March 2026 under its report-card framework and graded five areas at Urgent improvement and two at Needs attention. Safeguarding was judged Met. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded F, 31st of 32 secondary schools in Somerset. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are Bridgwater College Academy's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at Bridgwater College Academy averaged an Attainment 8 score of 33.8 (England: 46.2). 19.2% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

What are Bridgwater College Academy's SATs results?

In the 2025 Key Stage 2 tests (SATs), 25% of pupils at Bridgwater College Academy met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths (England: 62%).

How do I apply for a place at Bridgwater College Academy?

Applications for Year 7 places at Bridgwater College Academy starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

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Bridgwater College Academy

Parkway, Bridgwater, TA6 4QY

Local ranking31st of 32 secondary schools in Somerset

Ofsted: Urgent improvementUpdated

All-through

Phase

1880

Capacity

3-16

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 SATs · Ofsted inspection 10 March 2026. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Ofsted Report Card

Inspected 10 March 2026 under Ofsted's renewed framework

View on Ofsted

Placed in a category of concern: Special measures.

Safeguarding standards Met

Achievement: Urgent improvement
Curriculum & teaching: Urgent improvement
Attendance & behaviour: Urgent improvement
Personal development & wellbeing: Needs attention
Leadership & governance: Urgent improvement
Inclusion: Urgent improvement
Early years: Needs attention

Scale: Exceptional · Strong · Expected · Needs attention · Urgent improvement

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 33.8 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 19.2% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 39.4% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 198

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 87.0%
Continued in education: 83.0%
Apprenticeships: 1.0%
Employment: 3.0%
Not sustained: 9.0%

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 1576
Boys: 828 (53%)
Girls: 733 (47%)
Capacity: 1880 (83% full)
SEND: 28.1%
FSM Eligible: 36.5%
EAL: 20.0%
SEN with EHC Plan: 4.1%
SEN Support: 24.1%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 16.4:1
Teachers (FTE): 95.4

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 10.0% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 27.2% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Academy sponsor led
Phase: All-through
Nursery: Has Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 75.0%
White Other: 13.5%
Asian Other: 2.7%
Mixed Other: 2.0%
Asian Indian: 1.9%
Black African: 1.3%
Other: 1.0%
Mixed White & Asian: 1.0%

75.0%

White British

13.5%

White Other

2.7%

Asian Other

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

KS2 Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01278727327

jonathan.black@bridgwatercollegeacademy.org

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Parkway

Bridgwater, South West

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Administrative

URN: 138375
UKPRN: 10038345
Establishment No.: 4001
Trust: BRIDGWATER & TAUNTON COLLEGE TRUST

Common questions about Bridgwater College Academy

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