Airedale AcademyCrewe Road , Castleford

Airedale Academy, based in Castleford, provides secondary education, serving pupils aged 11 to 18. The school is a academy converter and operates as a mixed school. It follows a non-selective admissions policy. It does not have a designated religious character, which may suit families looking for a non-faith school. The school also offers a sixth form, allowing students to continue into post-16 education on site.

Airedale Academy currently has around 1063 pupils on roll, which is about 85% of its capacity. The gender split is relatively balanced, with approximately 48.6% boys and 51.4% girls. Around 49.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which gives an indication of the socio-economic mix. The school has a diverse intake across different backgrounds and needs.

Overall absence at the school is 13.1%. Persistent absence is recorded at 42.6%.

The majority of pupils are from a white british background (84.3%).

At its latest Ofsted inspection, the school was rated Requires Improvement. This means the school has areas that require improvement. Safeguarding was judged to be effective, which is a key consideration for many parents.

Around 87% of pupils move on to sustained destinations after Year 11. Most continue into education (75%) , including 10% who stay in school sixth forms and 63% progressing to further education , while 4% enter apprenticeships .