Best Secondary Schools in South West

The Kings of Wessex Academy is a secondary school located in Cheddar, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 17:1, the school offers a strong focus on pupil well-being and inclusion, maintaining a good quality of education. The school aims to close the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, while providing high expectations for curriculum breadth and challenge. While boys' progress slightly lags behind girls, particularly in the sixth form, the school excels in behavior and safety of pupils. It has achieved a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted with outstanding results in this category.

Cirencester Deer Park School is a secondary school that combines the traditions of a grammar school with modern 21st-century learning. With a strong academic and inclusive ethos, the school has consistently received high ratings from Ofsted. The school's leadership and management are highly regarded, and students achieve good results in their studies. The behavior and safety of pupils are outstanding, providing a safe and nurturing environment for students. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school offers individual attention to students. Overall, Cirencester Deer Park School is committed to providing a high-quality education and preparing students for their future.

Redruth School is a co-educational secondary school located in Redruth, South West. With a passionate and determined headteacher at the helm, the school offers strong pastoral care for pupils with difficulties and has above-average attainment across eight GCSE subjects. The school provides effective support for pupils with behavior difficulties and has shown strong progress in GCSE mathematics. With a balanced curriculum that includes a focus on physical education, Redruth School aims to provide a well-rounded education for its students.

St Cuthbert Mayne School is a secondary school located in Torbay, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 15:1, the school offers a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 11-18. The school has a good overall effectiveness, as per the Ofsted report, and focuses on improving standards through effective leadership and quality teaching. With a successful sixth form and positive changes in behavior management, St Cuthbert Mayne School provides a curriculum that promotes skill development and fosters good relationships between staff and pupils.

Camborne Science and International Academy is a secondary school located in Camborne, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school offers a co-ed learning environment for students aged 11-18. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with high expectations from governors and leaders. The Nexus center provides enhanced provision in math, science, and computing, and the school has extensive links with other schools around the world. The school also boasts good progress in science and offers a sixth form for further education opportunities. While some areas, such as evaluation of additional funding and persistent absence, need improvement, the school focuses on personal development, behavior, and welfare. Exam results show that 45% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs in 2019. Overall, Camborne Science and International Academy provides a supportive and academically focused environment for students.

Tiverton High School is a secondary school located in Tiverton, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school provides a highly inclusive education and has maintained a good quality of teaching. The school focuses on achieving academic excellence and ensuring equal opportunities for all students. With a commitment to strong leadership, effective safeguarding procedures, and improvement in attendance, Tiverton High School is dedicated to providing a supportive and inspiring environment for its students.

Richard Lander School is a highly inclusive secondary school located in Kenwyn, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school focuses on providing academic excellence and promoting individual growth. The school's strong leadership, effective safeguarding, and commitment to student progress ensure a supportive learning environment. Offering a vibrant curriculum and a range of extracurricular activities, Richard Lander School prepares students for future success and encourages them to become confident, self-worth individuals who make a positive difference in the world.

Torquay Academy is a co-educational secondary school located in Torbay, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and a focus on high aspirations, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 11-18. The school has received a Good rating from Ofsted, offering excellent leadership and teaching. Students have achieved a 46% grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, with 71% achieving a GCSE grade 4 or higher. Torquay Academy is dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential and prepare for future success.

Aspire Academy is an all-through school located in Bath and North East Somerset. With a student-teacher ratio of 4:1, the school provides personalized attention to ensure student success. The school has a Good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with strong leadership and a focus on teaching and learning. Parents can expect a safe and inclusive environment, with positive partnerships and attention to literacy skills. However, there may be room for improvement in communicating targets for learning in other subjects and fully embedding progress tracking across all subjects.

St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School is a co-educational Roman Catholic school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a strong emphasis on academic and personal development, the school offers an excellent education for students aged 4-18. The school has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, with outstanding early years provision and personal development. Pupils attain highly in various subjects, and there are opportunities for staff to develop their skills. However, there are some gaps in progress for disadvantaged and special needs students, and lower-attaining pupils may not consistently be challenged.

Hans Price Academy is a secondary school located in Weston-super-Mare, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 19:1 and a total student body of 1006, the school offers a co-ed education to students aged 11-16. The academy prides itself on maintaining a good quality education, with an outstanding leadership and management system. It has a broad and challenging curriculum, supported by excellent reading and math skills. With a focus on high aspirations and achievement, Hans Price Academy aims to provide world-class education to every student, regardless of their background or starting point.

Penryn College is a secondary school located in Penryn, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 11-16. The school's overall grade of B- reflects its commitment to academics, as well as its outstanding leadership and management. With a good Ofsted report, the school prioritizes the achievement, safety, and well-being of its pupils. With strong exam results, including 52% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, Penryn College prepares students for future success.

Avonbourne Girls Academy is a secondary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a strong focus on academic excellence, the school provides a good standard of education for girls aged 11-19. The school values the emotional well-being of its pupils and offers a wide range of activities to support their development. It has a dedicated sixth form and strives to improve progress for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.

Lytchett Minster School is a successful and well-liked secondary school with a flourishing sixth form. With excellent standards of education, strong leadership, and effective safeguarding, the school strives to provide every student with the tools they need for a successful and meaningful life. The school offers a varied curriculum, impressive exam results, and a focus on extracurricular activities, making it an ideal choice for parents seeking a high-quality education for their children.

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School is a co-ed Roman Catholic school located in Whitchurch, Bristol. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and a total enrollment of 732 students, it offers a conducive learning environment. The school has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, with effective leadership and management. It focuses on personal development, behavior, and welfare of the students. However, there have been slight dips in exam results and varying expectations for certain groups of pupils. Overall, St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School provides a secure and nurturing environment for students to thrive academically and socially.

Cotham School is a co-educational secondary school located in Bristol. Led by Headteacher Joanne Butler, the school has been serving the community since 2011. With a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and a total student population of 1594, Cotham School offers a positive and friendly atmosphere for students to learn and grow. The school is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive education, supported by skilled and determined leadership. The school's good overall effectiveness and strong commitment to student progress make it an excellent choice for parents looking for quality education.

Devonport High School for Girls is a secondary school located in Plymouth, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a challenging and enriching educational experience, ensuring students' curiosity, confidence, and aspirations are developed. The school's outstanding behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, contribute to its good overall effectiveness grade from Ofsted. With an impressive 98% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, and a high percentage of students achieving AAB or higher at A-level, Devonport High School for Girls is dedicated to preparing its students for success in a global society.

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.

Pittville School is a secondary school in Cheltenham, known for its effective leadership and governance. With a strong academic progress by students and a positive school culture, it provides a nurturing environment for children to thrive. While there may be some variation in teaching quality, the school focuses on continuous improvement and ensuring the best outcomes for pupils. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1, Pittville School offers individual attention and support. Its good overall effectiveness, as recognized by Ofsted, makes it a reliable choice for parents seeking a quality education for their children.

St. Aldhelm's Academy is a secondary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides a supportive and focused learning environment. The academy has received a Good rating from OFSTED, with excellent leadership and management. Students benefit from a wide range of academic and vocational credentials and are encouraged to develop resilience, creativity, and kindness. The school prides itself on its modern facilities and dedicated teaching staff, providing high-quality education for all students.