Located in Sandy, Sandy Secondary School is a secondary school, serving pupils aged 11 to 18. The school is a foundation school 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.

Sandy Secondary School currently has around 1214 pupils on roll, which is about 111% of its capacity. The gender split is relatively balanced, with approximately 51.3% boys and 48.7% girls. Around 19.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which gives an indication of the socio-economic mix. The student population reflects a mixed community across different backgrounds and needs.

Overall absence at the school is 8.2%. Persistent absence is recorded at 24.5%.

The majority of pupils are from a white british background (84.8%).

Safeguarding was judged to be effective, which is a key consideration for many parents.

Around 93% of pupils move on to sustained destinations after Year 11. Most continue into education (83%) , including 47% who stay in school sixth forms and 35% progressing to further education , while 7% enter apprenticeships .

School Information

Address: Engayne Avenue, Sandy, SG19 1BL
Website: https://www.sandysecondaryschool.com/
Telephone: 01767680598
School Type: Foundation school
Education phase: Secondary
Local authority: Central Bedfordshire
Headteacher / Principal: Miss Karen Hayward
Religious character: Does not apply
Admissions policy: Non-selective
Unique reference: 109669

Map

Ofsted Inspection

  • Quality of education
  • Behaviour and attitudes
  • Personal development
  • Management effectiveness

Ofsted inspection date: 24/06/2025

Safeguarding is effective

Pupils

General

Age Range: 11 - 18
Gender: Mixed
School Capacity: 1095
Number of Pupils: 1214
Number of Boys: 623
Number of Girls: 591

Absence

SchoolEngland state-funded schools:
Overall absence: 8.2% 4%
Persistent absence: 24.5% 8.2%

Ethnicity

White British84.80%1030
Other White3.60%44
White and Black Caribbean2.50%30
White and Asian2.00%24
Other Mixed1.70%21
African1.70%21
White and Black African1.10%13
Caribbean0.70%9
Unclassified0.60%7
Other Asian0.20%3
Chinese0.20%3
Gypsy/Roma0.20%2
Other (any other ethnic group)0.20%2
Indian0.20%2
Bangladeshi0.10%1
Irish Traveller (Traveller of Irish heritage)0.10%1
Other Black0.10%1
Irish0.00%0
Pakistani0.00%0

Education - Secondary

Progress 8 score

Progress 8: Average (0.08)
Of the 188 pupils at the end of key stage 4 in this school, 187 are included in this measure.
Progress 8 score (average over pupils)
School
0.08
Local authority average
0.11
England average
-0.03
Entering EBacc
School
78%
Local authority average
36%
England average
35%
Grade 5+ in English & maths GCSEs
School
34%
Local authority average
39%
England average
41%
Attainment 8 score
School
42.8
Local authority average
42.5
England average
44.6
EBacc average point score
School
3.8
Local authority average
3.7
England average
3.9
Staying in education or employment
School
93%

Nearby Schools

Primary

Ofsted Overall Effectiveness Distance Establishment Type Has Nursery Classes Gender More Info
Maple Tree Primary School
Hawk Drive , SG19 2WA
3out of 4 453 yd Foundation school Yes Mixed More About School
Robert Peel Primary School
Dapifer Drive , SG19 1QJ
- not rated 643 yd Foundation school Yes Mixed More About School
Laburnum Primary School
Laburnum Road , SG19 1HQ
1out of 4 1,049 yd Academy sponsor led Yes Mixed More About School
Laburnum Primary School
Laburnum Road , SG19 1HQ
- not rated 1,064 yd Foundation school Yes Mixed More About School
St Swithun's Church of England VC Primary School
Ivel Road , SG19 1AX
3out of 4 1,486 yd Voluntary controlled school Yes Mixed More About School

Secondary

Ofsted Overall Effectiveness Distance Establishment Type Has Nursery Classes Gender More Info
Sandy Secondary School
Engayne Avenue , SG19 1BL
- not rated 0 yd Foundation school No Mixed More About School

Middle deemed secondary

Ofsted Overall Effectiveness Distance Establishment Type Has Nursery Classes Gender More Info
Sandye Place Academy
Park Road , SG19 1JD
- not rated 1,328 yd Academy converter Not Applicable Mixed More About School
Sandye Place Middle School
Park Road , SG19 1JD
- not rated 1,328 yd Community school Not Applicable Mixed More About School

School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.