Paxman Academy vs Ridgeway Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in East of England, England, 72 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Paxman Academy
Colchester · Academy secondary · Ages 11–16
873 students
Ridgeway Academy
Welwyn Garden City · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
875 students
| Measure | Paxman Academy Colchester, East of England | Ridgeway Academy Welwyn Garden City, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 34 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #343 of 460 | #413 of 460 |
| National rank | #2753 of 4,090 | #3458 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–16 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 873 | 875 |
| Pupils on roll | 873 | 875 |
| Free school meals | 33.3% | 33.5% |
| Capacity filled | 97% | 71.7% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 41.3 | 35.7 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 34.3% | 24.8% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 48.6% | 48.4% |
| EBacc average points | 3.37 | 2.93 |
| A level points per entry | – | 27.7 |
| town | Colchester | Welwyn Garden City |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | www.paxmanacademy.school | ridgeway.herts.sch.uk/ |
The verdict
- •Paxman Academy scores higher on the Success Index (England) (33.9 vs 21.1).
- •Ridgeway Academy is the larger school with 875 students compared with 873.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Paxman Academy better than Ridgeway Academy?
On the Success Index (England), Paxman Academy ranks higher (33.9 vs 21.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Paxman Academy and Ridgeway Academy?
About 72 km in a straight line, between Colchester and Welwyn Garden City in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Paxman Academy: 873. Ridgeway Academy: 875. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Paxman Academy and Ridgeway Academy rank in East of England?
Paxman Academy is 343rd of 460 and Ridgeway Academy is 413th of 460 among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).