Best Secondary Schools in South West

Stoke Damerel Community College is a welcoming and warm secondary school located in Plymouth. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school values individual attention and support. The school has a good overall grade, with a focus on academics, teachers, and leadership. Its panoramic view over the city adds to its appeal. With good exam results and a strong focus on personal development, it offers a quality education for students aged 11-18.

John Cabot Academy is a rapidly improving secondary school located in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire. With a strong focus on academic achievement and personal development, the school offers a secure and joyful learning environment for students aged 11-19. The dedicated teaching staff and high expectations ensure that students excel academically, with 45% achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. The school also boasts a successful sixth form, where 5.10% of students achieved AAB or higher. With a commitment to inspiring awe and wonder in pupils through trips, sports teams, and performances, John Cabot Academy aims to empower students to become contented and useful members of society.

Highcliffe School is a co-educational secondary school located in Highcliffe and Walkford, South West. With a strong focus on student well-being and support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, the school provides an inclusive and nurturing environment. The curriculum promotes both academic excellence and personal development, and the school offers an impressive range of extra-curricular activities. With a Good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, Highcliffe School is committed to providing a high-quality education for its students.

Hele's School is a secondary school located in Plymouth, South West England. With a strong focus on improving teaching quality, the school has clear vision and high expectations from its leadership. Pupils make good progress and benefit from a well-suited curriculum. The school also provides strong spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education, ensuring a positive learning environment for students. Although some pockets of weaker teaching exist, overall the school has a good rating from Ofsted and offers effective sixth form programs.

Notre Dame RC School is a girls' secondary school located in Plymouth. With a strong focus on academic success and inclusive support, the school has above-average attainment in most subjects. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that challenges gifted students and assists those who need more time. With high expectations for all pupils, Notre Dame promotes personal development and welfare. The school also provides strong pastoral support in the sixth form, leading to good employment and further study outcomes. Overall, Notre Dame RC School offers a nurturing environment for girls to thrive academically and personally.

Sir John Hunt Community Sports College is a secondary school in Plymouth, South West. With a strong emphasis on sports and community involvement, the school offers a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 11-19. Led by Mrs Julie Bevan, the school prides itself on its good Ofsted rating, dedicated teachers, and commitment to the personal development of each student. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides individual attention and support. The school's exam results show improvement, with 12% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs in 2019. With a focus on overall effectiveness and a good quality of education, Sir John Hunt Community Sports College is a great choice for parents looking for a school that values academic achievement, character development, and community engagement.

Downend School is a co-educational secondary school located in Downend, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school offers an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students aged 11-18. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating and has shown improvements in leadership, behaviour, and teaching. However, efforts to improve attendance and achievement of disadvantaged pupils are ongoing. The school's exam results show a 43% achievement of grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, and an average A-level point score of 31.63. Overall, Downend School prioritizes students' well-being and aims to provide a quality education that challenges and supports every student.

Sarum Academy is a secondary school located in Salisbury, South West England. With a strong leadership and a culture of high expectations, the school has made rapid improvements in pupil progress and achievement. Pupils are polite, respectful, and included in all aspects of school life. The school provides well-supported teachers with opportunities for professional development. Although some pupils struggle with attendance and the progress of the most able students needs improvement, Sarum Academy offers a good overall education with effective teaching and a focus on personal development.

The Stonehenge School is a secondary school located in Amesbury, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students aged 11-16. The school has been graded good by Ofsted, with strong leadership and management. With a focus on academic achievement, the school has a 38% grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs. Additionally, the school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, ensuring a positive learning experience.

Wadham School is a Church of England secondary school located in Crewkerne, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 11-18. The school has been rated Good by Ofsted, with strengths in leadership, teaching, and personal development. While disadvantaged pupils face challenges, the school continues to make improvements in progress and outcomes. Wadham School prioritizes the well-being and safety of its students, offering a strong academic curriculum and effective sixth form leadership.

Penair School is a co-ed secondary school located in St Clement, Truro. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. The school has shown significant improvements under the leadership of Headteacher James Davidson, with good overall effectiveness and positive attitudes towards learning. Penair School offers a comprehensive education, focusing on academic progress and providing a variety of extracurricular activities for students to explore their interests. With an emphasis on inclusive education and supporting student success, Penair School is dedicated to maximizing each child's potential.

Brimsham Green School is a secondary school located in Yate, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and a commitment to inclusive education, the school provides a supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs. The leadership team has worked diligently to improve education standards and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students. While there may be areas for improvement in teaching consistency and progress of disadvantaged pupils, Brimsham Green School aims to inspire excellence and foster the limitless potential of its students.

St Dunstan's School is a co-educational secondary school located in Glastonbury, South West. With a strong emphasis on pupil safety and well-being, the school provides a good quality education and holds high expectations for pupils' work. The school collaborates with other schools as part of a Multi-Academy Trust, benefiting from resource and knowledge exchange. Students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and credentials needed to succeed academically and positively contribute to society.

The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College is a co-educational secondary school located in Wroughton, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 11-18. Offering a wide range of academic subjects and achieving good exam results, the school focuses on the achievement and well-being of its pupils. With a diverse student population and a dedicated staff, The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive education for all.

The Commonweal School is a co-ed secondary school located in Central Swindon South. With a strong focus on inclusive education, the school provides effective support for students with special educational needs, creating an inclusive atmosphere and maintaining good conduct. The school has shown improvement in teaching quality, resulting in good progress in subjects like English, maths, French, history, and geography. The establishment of a new sixth form has been successful, offering a wide range of study programmes. However, there is a need for further improvement in supporting disadvantaged pupils and addressing inconsistent challenge in science. Overall, The Commonweal School offers a positive learning environment with good outcomes for pupils.

Broadlands Academy is a secondary school located in Keynsham, South West. With a strong leadership and effective use of funding for disadvantaged students, the school provides a well-rounded education for all. The well-behaved and respectful students benefit from effective pastoral care, a well-suited curriculum for different learning needs, and comprehensive careers advice. While some subjects may have uneven progress and teaching may not be challenging enough for some students, the school strives for overall good outcomes and personal development. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Broadlands Academy ensures individual attention and support.

Chosen Hill School is a secondary school located in Churchdown, South West. With a strong reputation in the local community, the school provides a quality education for students aged 11-18. The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education, ensuring effective safeguarding and positive changes to the curriculum. Students respond well in class and approach their learning with enthusiasm. While there are areas for improvement, such as teacher expectations in the sixth form and progress of disadvantaged pupils, Chosen Hill School is dedicated to fostering student confidence and success.

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.

Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre is a co-educational secondary school located in Sedbury, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and a Good rating by Ofsted, the school offers a safe and effective learning environment. The dedicated leadership team has prioritized student welfare and invested in training programs for teachers. While disadvantaged pupils still face challenges, the school's achievements include vocational expansion in the sixth form and positive exam results, with 38% achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs in 2019.

Ralph Allen School is a co-ed secondary school located in Bath, South West. With a strong leadership team and comprehensive safeguarding measures, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for its students. The school's good overall effectiveness is reflected in its outstanding academic levels and positive student experiences. Students have access to a variety of learning opportunities across subjects, helping them develop their skills holistically. The school prioritizes the voices of its students and is dedicated to their success and aspiration. With a focus on individual needs and a commitment to continuous improvement, Ralph Allen School is an excellent choice for parents seeking a quality education for their children.