The school's history dates back to the late 1500s, when Normanton Grammar School was founded and endowed by John Freeston of Altofts, a local barrister.[4][5] The school was later moved to its current location in the 1950s, where only a chimney remains in the original location.[citation needed]
Freeston College in 2009, viewed from Snydale Road
Along with a number of other secondary schools, Freeston changed itself to an academy status in 2011. Its school motto was "Making the Difference in the Business of Learning".
On 20 August 2015 the academy library and ICT lab caught fire and burnt down as a result of maintenance work being carried out on the roof.[6][7]
On 30 January 2018 Outwood Grange Academies Trust was named as the new sponsor for The Freeston Academy.[9] The school transferred to its new sponsor on 1 June 2018, reopening as Outwood Academy Freeston.[2]
Academics
The last Ofsted report in September 2017 concluded that Freeston provides a sound education for its students, supported by a strong governing body and providing support for students and parents alike.[10] The school has Enterprise Hub Status and works with nine West Yorkshire schools.