Welcome to the website of John Smeaton Academy. It is a privilege to serve as Principal of such a vibrant, ambitious and inclusive academy at the heart of East Leeds.

At John Smeaton Academy, we are driven by a simple but unwavering belief: every young person deserves the opportunity to Secure the Gift of Choice. Regardless of background or starting point, we are determined that our students leave us with the knowledge, qualifications, character and confidence to access the very best opportunities in education, employment and training. We are relentlessly ambitious for our community and passionate about ensuring that no door is ever closed to our young people.

As part of The GORSE Academies Trust, our academy is built upon exceptionally high expectations, strong relationships and a deep commitment to doing what is right for children. Since joining the Trust in September 2021, John Smeaton Academy has undergone a significant transformation, rooted in a shared determination to create an exceptional place to learn and work in East Leeds. We are incredibly proud that Ofsted recognised this journey in 2024, describing the academy as “a beacon for its community.”

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values of Tenacity, Innovation, Curiosity and Kindness — TICK. These values are not simply words on a wall; they shape the culture of our academy, guide our decision-making and define the way we work together every single day. We want our students to be resilient in the face of challenge, curious about the world around them, innovative in their thinking and kind in the way they treat others.

Our ambition extends far beyond examination outcomes, although we are uncompromising in our pursuit of academic excellence. We are equally passionate about developing confident, articulate and compassionate young people through our extensive curriculum, leadership opportunities and Enrichment++ programme. We want every child to discover their talents, broaden their horizons and develop the character needed to thrive in modern Britain and beyond.

John Smeaton Academy is a school with momentum, energy and purpose. We are proud of the exceptional relationships that exist between staff, students, families and the wider community, and we believe these partnerships are fundamental to our continued success. Whether you are a prospective parent/carer, student, colleague or member of the community, I hope our website gives you a genuine sense of the warmth, ambition and determination that defines our academy.

I warmly invite you to visit us at one of our Open Events or arrange a visit to experience first-hand the culture, values and ambition that make John Smeaton Academy such a special place. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and showing you how we are working together to ensure every child can truly Secure the Gift of Choice.