Best Free Schools in South West

Venturers' Academy is a good all-through school located in Bristol. With a passionate and dedicated principal, the school provides effective safeguarding measures to ensure the safety of its students. The school offers enriching social and cultural experiences, fostering positive attitudes towards learning. Students demonstrate outstanding behavior and benefit from a strong focus on their personal development. While there are areas for improvement in teaching for younger pupils and writing skills, the school's overall effectiveness, leadership, and management are rated as good by Ofsted.

Marine Academy Primary is an outstanding school in Plymouth, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a nurturing and high-quality education for children aged 2-11. The dedicated staff promotes a love for learning, setting high expectations and ensuring pupils' behaviour and attitudes are exemplary. With exceptional leadership, strong safeguarding culture, and outstanding exam results, Marine Academy Primary is the ideal choice for parents looking for a school that prioritizes their child's education and personal development.

The Mendip School is an all-through school located in Prestleigh, Doulting. Established in 2015, it offers a comprehensive education for students aged 4-19. With a student teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides personalized attention to each student. The dedicated staff and experienced leaders ensure a safe and supportive environment for learning. The school has received a good rating from Ofsted, highlighting the quality teaching, personal development, and outcomes for pupils. Although the assessment system and attendance need improvement, the school's focus on speech, language, communication, and autistic spectrum disorder support sets it apart. The Mendip School aims to nurture every student's potential and provide a strong foundation for their future.

Dorset Studio School is a secondary school located in Stinsford, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides a supportive and personalized learning environment for students aged 11-16. With a focus on land-based studies, the school excels in motivating and supporting disadvantaged and SEND pupils. The school's unique character and strong partnership with sponsors create opportunities for students to excel in their studies. However, there is a need for improvement in teaching quality and challenging all students. Overall, Dorset Studio School offers a good learning experience with a focus on personal development and welfare.

The Swanage School is a secondary school located in Swanage, South West. Founded in 2013, it offers a strong reputation in the local community and provides continued good quality education. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school ensures individual attention for students. It excels in care and support for vulnerable pupils, achieving good behavior and responsible students. The school also prioritizes safeguarding and has shown improvement in core subjects. While there have been variations in performance between subjects and below average attendance, the school is committed to providing a positive learning environment for its students.

Mendip Studio School is a secondary school located in Radstock, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 15:1 and a strong focus on personal development and welfare, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 14-19. The school offers an impressive range of extra-curricular activities and has a good track record in improving attendance rates. While teaching standards can vary, the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of pupils well and the sixth form program shows good progress. Overall, Mendip Studio School is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education for its students.

LeAF Studio is a secondary school in Bournemouth with a unique focus on performing arts and sport. With a high-quality teaching staff and a strong individual support system, the school offers a good balance of specialist and academic education. The school's sixth form program is growing and strong, providing students with excellent opportunities for post-secondary education. Although there are areas of improvement, overall, LeAF Studio demonstrates good quality teaching and progress, making it a promising choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children.

Scott Medical and Healthcare College is a secondary school located in Stoke, Plymouth. Founded in 2017, the school offers a co-ed learning environment for students aged 13-19. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes personalized education and provides support for students with special educational needs. Scott Medical and Healthcare College has received an overall grade of C+ from Snobe Grade, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the well-being of its students. In addition, the Ofsted Report rates the school as 'Good' in various categories, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, and personal development. With a focus on medical and healthcare subjects, Scott Medical and Healthcare College prepares students for future careers in these fields. Through its sixth-form provision, the school also offers A-level courses to help students achieve their academic goals. With its dedicated teaching staff and commitment to student welfare, Scott Medical and Healthcare College ensures a supportive and enriching learning experience for all.

Bristol Free School is a co-ed secondary school founded in 2011 with a student population of 1157. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a high-quality educational experience and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The school has a Good rating from Ofsted, offering a safe and supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.

St. Peter's CE Primary Academy is a co-educational Church of England school located in Salisbury, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school provides individual attention and support to its students. The school offers nursery classes and caters to children aged 4-11 years. It is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students, with 7% receiving SEN support. With a diverse community, the school embraces cultural diversity and supports students whose English is not their first language. St. Peter's CE Primary Academy aims to ensure every child reaches their full potential academically and personally.

IKB Academy is a secondary school that focuses on providing a cutting-edge educational experience for students aged 14-19. With a strong emphasis on STEM subjects and modern facilities, we offer a welcoming and inclusive environment that values individuality and supports student needs. Our dedicated teachers and small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while our partnerships with local employers provide valuable work experience opportunities. With a good overall grade and positive Ofsted report, IKB Academy prioritizes academic excellence while fostering personal development and leadership skills. Join us to prepare your child for university admissions, apprenticeships, or career success in their chosen field.

South Devon UTC is a co-educational secondary school located in Newton Abbot. Established in 2015, the school offers a unique learning environment focused on the interests of students aged 14-19. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, individual attention is prioritized to support academic success. The school excels in leadership and management, providing a good quality of education and promoting personal development. Students benefit from a good overall grade from Ofsted and impressive A-level results, making South Devon UTC an excellent choice for parents seeking a school that nurtures their child's interests and offers a strong academic foundation.

Northgate Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Northgate, Bridgwater. It was founded in 2017 and offers education for children aged 2-11 years. With a student teacher ratio of 30:1 and a dedicated team of 8.4 full-time teachers and 11 assistant teachers, the school provides a nurturing learning environment for its 253 students. The school has nursery classes and offers support for students with special educational needs (SEN), with 10% of students receiving SEN support. Additionally, 92% of students are eligible for free school meals, ensuring equal opportunities for all. With English not being the first language for 19% of students, Northgate Primary School values diversity and offers a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Kingsteignton School is a primary school located in South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school provides effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The school places a strong emphasis on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, ensuring a well-rounded education for its students.

UTC Swindon is a secondary school located in Central Swindon South. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a co-ed learning environment for students aged 14-19. The school focuses on academics and personal development, with a good rating in behaviour and attitudes. Although the overall effectiveness and quality of education require improvement, the leadership and management are rated good. With a diverse student body and support for students with SEN needs, UTC Swindon aims to provide a well-rounded education for all students.

Cathedral Primary School in Bristol provides a good quality education with outstanding leadership and management. The school offers positive attitudes towards learning, effective safeguarding measures, and strong foundations in mathematics. With a diverse student body and a focus on celebrating cultural backgrounds, this primary school is a supportive and inclusive environment for children aged 4-11.

Twynham Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Christchurch. With a student-teacher ratio of 23:1, the school offers a strong foundation in phonics teaching and shows good progress for disadvantaged pupils. The school has clear plans for improvement and provides a curriculum that meets the needs of its students.

Digitech Studio School is a specialized secondary school located in Warmley, South West. With a focus on preparing students for the high-tech and creative digital industries, Digitech offers a premium curriculum and excellent employability experiences. With small class sizes and a commitment to tailored education, Digitech provides a nurturing environment for students aged 14-19. The school is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, ensuring a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. With a Good overall grade from Ofsted and positive exam results, Digitech is dedicated to providing an excellent education for every student.

Snowdon Village is an all-through school located in Bristol, South West. With a dedicated and passionate staff, the school focuses on inspiring leadership and building strong relationships with students. While there are areas for improvement, Snowdon Village provides a nurturing environment for children aged 4-16.

Sparkwell All Saints Primary School is a small, rural school with a strong focus on providing quality education and individual support for students. With effective leadership and innovative teaching methods, the school engages students in a wide range of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The school has a good track record in achieving positive outcomes for students, including improved literacy and numeracy skills. The inclusive and nurturing environment ensures that all children, regardless of ability, are welcomed and supported throughout their educational journey.