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Atlantic Academy Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Atlantic Academy is a free s secondary school in Bideford, Devon , serving pupils aged 11-16, with 227 pupils, and a capacity of 300 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby secondary schools below.

11-16

Age range

227

Pupils

300

Capacity

76%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2023

Atlantic Academy Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for Atlantic Academy?

The catchment area for Atlantic Academy is the geographic zone Devon uses to prioritise admissions when this secondary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Devon publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Secondary school places at Atlantic Academy are allocated by Devon using ranked oversubscription criteria. Catchment area residence is typically among the highest priorities after looked-after children and siblings, and the boundary is reviewed each year.

The official admissions policy, including the catchment boundary map, is published by Devon before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Devon catchment area documents →

Atlantic Academy: 300 places, 76% filled: places available

Atlantic Academy has a published admission number of 300 places. 227 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 76%. At 76% full, the school currently has headroom below its 300 place limit. Catchment distance criteria still apply when the school is oversubscribed, but at current demand levels, places have been available for applicants outside the immediate catchment area.

The fill-rate figure above reflects overall demand, but the school's intake also varies by community profile. 32.9% of pupils at Atlantic Academy are eligible for free school meals, broadly in line with the national average. This reflects a mixed catchment population across Devon.

To check whether your home address falls within the historical catchment boundary, use the postcode search tool on this site.

Devon publishes its full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria, the previous year's last-distance figures, and the appeals timetable, on the council's official admissions page. Devon Council school admissions (official) →

Atlantic Academy: School Information

Full address
Bucks Cross, Bideford, EX39 5DW
Local authority
Devon
School type
Free schools
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
11-16 years
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Free school meals
32.9% of pupils
DfE URN
146567

Other Secondary Schools in Bideford

If Atlantic Academy is oversubscribed, these secondary schools in Bideford are the next closest alternatives.

Nearest secondary schools by distance

These are the secondary schools closest to Atlantic Academy by straight-line distance, including ones across a town or council boundary. Distance is not the same as being in catchment: always check each school's own admissions policy for its actual boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions: Atlantic Academy

What is the catchment area for Atlantic Academy?

The catchment area for Atlantic Academy is the geographic zone Devon uses to prioritise admissions when this secondary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Devon publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Is Atlantic Academy oversubscribed?

Atlantic Academy has a capacity of 300 places and currently has 227 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with Devon.

What is the admissions policy for Atlantic Academy?

Admission to Atlantic Academy is managed by Devon. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Atlantic Academy cover?

Atlantic Academy is a secondary school in Bideford, Devon, serving pupils aged 11-16. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Atlantic Academy?

Atlantic Academy was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

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