The Rodillian Academy (formerly Rodillian School) is a mixed secondary School and sixth form with academy status located in Lofthouse, West Yorkshire, England. The school has 1,556 pupils aged between 11 and 18.[1] The school also has Specialist Arts College status. The name 'Rodillian' is derived from the name that was given to former pupils of the Rothwell Grammar School.

The Rodillian Academy
The Rodillian Academy driveway from Long Thorpe Lane
Address
Map
Longthorpe Lane

, ,
WF3 3PS

England
Coordinates53°43′50″N 1°30′09″W / 53.73069°N 1.50237°W / 53.73069; -1.50237
Information
TypeAcademy
Established1933
Local authorityCity of Leeds
SpecialistPerforming Arts College
Department for Education URN138336 Tables
OfstedReports
GenderMixed
Age11 to 18
Enrollment1,556 pupils
Capacity1,700 Pupils
Colour(s)Black & Green   
Websitewww.rodillianacademy.co.uk

History

edit
 
The former school building in 2008

The school was originally built in 1933 as Rothwell Grammar School to serve the needs of children in Rothwell and the surrounding areas. Edwin Robert Manley was headteacher from 1933 to 1965. He was active in local politics, and he wrote and self-published Meet the Miner.[2]

In 2008 it moved into a £93 million building.[citation needed]

The school became an academy in summer 2012.[3]

Rodillian Multi Academy Trust

edit

In December 2013 the Rodillian Academy was approved by the Department for Education to become an academy sponsor.[4] The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust was formed in September 2014 with the Rodillian Academy acting as the lead school in the trust that also includes The Featherstone Academy.[citation needed]

Inspections

edit

In the Ofsted inspection in 2016, the school's overall effectiveness was found to be 'good'. Both the effectiveness of the school's leadership and management and the personal development, behaviour and welfare pupils were judged to be outstanding.[5]

As of 2024, the school's most recent inspection was in 2019, with an outcome of Good.[6]

Buildings

edit

In September 2008, Rodillian moved to a newly built school as part of the Leeds BSF Project. At the new school are a lecture theatre, a library, sporting facilities including fitness centres and gyms, dance halls and PE classrooms.[7] Part of the new build is a children's centre that allows for use of the school's sporting and educational facilities by children up to five years of age.[8]

Rugby

edit

The school's main sport was Rugby Union.[9]

Academic performance

edit

In 2023, the school's Progress 8 benchmark was average.[10] 77% of children were entered for the English Baccalaureate, compared to 42% in the local authority area and 39% nationally.[10] 40% of children achieved grades 5 or higher in English and mathematics GCSEs.[10]

Notable alumni

edit

Rothwell Grammar School

edit

Notable teaching staff

edit
  • Harry Gration – journalist & broadcaster, former head of history

References

edit
  1. ^ "School Details".
  2. ^ "Rothwell Grammar School", Woodlesford the Story of a Station, UK individual web site
  3. ^ "Rodillian Academy". UK Government.
  4. ^ "Welcome to the Rodillian Multi Academy Trust", school trust web site
  5. ^ "Rodillian Academy". Ofsted. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  6. ^ Kirtley, Malcolm (2019). "Inspection of a good school: Rodillian Academy". Ofsted. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Our Journey – the Rodillian Academy".
  8. ^ "Daisy Chain Childcare - Lofthouse Nursery".
  9. ^ "Rodillian Academy". The Schools' Rugby Website. Schools Sports. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  10. ^ a b c "Rodillian Academy". Compare school and college performance in England. Gov.UK. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  11. ^ "Jack Birkenshaw".
  12. ^ "Dick Newby". 23 January 2014.
  13. ^ Douglas, Ed (18 February 2014). "Ian McNaught-Davis obituary". The Guardian.
  14. ^ "Lady Denton of Wakefield", The Daily Telegraph, 7 February 2001. Retrieved 7 February 2015
  15. ^ "Obituaries: Sir Hugh Fish". Independent.co.uk. 11 June 1999.
edit