SchoolScoresChurchdown School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of CHURCHDOWN SCHOOL
Winston Road, Churchdown, Gloucester, GL3 2RB
01452 713340 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 17 March 2026 , published 20 May 2026.
In short: 5 strong, 2 expected, and safeguarding met.
Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. | Met |
| InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
183 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026.
Gloucester comparisons use the 4 of its 12 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 8 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Gloucester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucester. Higher than 69% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 86% | 90% | 83% |
| My child feels safe at this school 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucester. Higher than 64% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 88% | 92% | 85% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucester. Higher than 92% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 93% | 91% | 78% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 40 parents whose child had been bullied 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucester. Higher than 75% of 344 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 58% | 51% | 43% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 146 parents who had raised a concern 2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucester. Higher than 71% of 431 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 79% | 82% | 74% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 47 parents of children with SEND 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucester. Higher than 38% of 356 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 51% | 68% | 63% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucester. Higher than 70% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 90%said yes | 91% | 83% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 13%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Gloucester figures pool parents at the Gloucester schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
262 pupils in this year group.
54% — about the same as the Gloucestershire average, and 8 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 54% | 53% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 51.5 | 50.3 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
230 pupils in this year group.
95% — 2 points above the Gloucestershire average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 95% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 48% | 46% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 1% | 11% | 13% |
| Further education college | 34% | 26% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 7% | 4% | 3% |
| Work | 4% | 4% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 95% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
88 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 18% | 34% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 55% | 61% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 36 | 36.3 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
19 subjects, 193 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 22 | 0% | 9% | 20% |
| Business Studies:Single | 21 | 5% | 24% | 16% |
| Geography | 17 | 6% | 24% | 23% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 17 | 0% | 24% | 14% |
| Chemistry | 13 | 0% | 15% | 30% |
| Psychology | 13 | 0% | 15% | 19% |
| Biology | 12 | 8% | 33% | 27% |
| Mathematics | 12 | 8% | 33% | 40% |
| History | 8 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Physics | 8 | 0% | 0% | 31% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 7 | 0% | 29% | 19% |
| English Literature | 7 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Film Studies | 7 | 0% | 29% | 17% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 6 | 0% | 17% | 38% |
| Religious Studies | 6 | 0% | 17% | 22% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Design and Technology (Product Design), Design and Technology (Textiles Technology), Art and Design (Photography), Music.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
96 students in this year group.
96% — 12 points above the Gloucestershire average, and 17 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 96% | 84% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 14% | 8% | 7% |
| Work | 39% | 36% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 86% | 96% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
94 students in this year group.
53% — 6 points below the Gloucestershire average, and 7 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 53% | 59% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 7% | 22% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 58% | 53% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Gloucestershire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 1 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 238 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 292 |
| Of those, offered a place | 227 (78%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 916 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.4 · 2025: 1.6 · 2026: 1.2
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 8th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Higher than 19% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 15.9% | 19.4%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 5th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Higher than 63% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.5% | 3.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 6th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Higher than 34% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.7% | 12.7%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 12th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Higher than 28% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 6.2% | 9.9%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 5th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Lower than 88% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 5.7% | 8.1%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 5th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Lower than 87% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 14.7% | 21.7%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 5th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Lower than 67% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 8.8 | 18.2 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 5th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Lower than 68% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 4.6% | 6.0% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.17% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 12th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Higher than 15% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 14.9 | 17.0 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 10th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Higher than 33% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.1 | 12.3 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 8th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Gloucester. Higher than 27% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 9.8% | 11.3%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Chosen Hill School 0.7 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 53% grade 5+ English and maths
- Sir Thomas Rich's School 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2025: 7 strong · 99% grade 5+ English and maths
- Barnwood Park School 2.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019, before conversion) · 36% grade 5+ English and maths
- Wotton House International School Gloucestershire 2.3 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 0% A*/A at A level
- Denmark Road High School 2.6 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 7 strong · 94% grade 5+ English and maths
- Henley Bank High School 2.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 50% grade 5+ English and maths
- Edward Jenner School 2.7 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Al-Ashraf Secondary School for Girls 2.8 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 strong, 4 expected
- The King's School, Gloucester 3.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 33% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Churchdown School's Ofsted rating?
Churchdown School was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 17 March 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 5 strong, 2 expected, and safeguarding was met.
How did Churchdown School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 54% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 8 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Churchdown School?
90% of the 183 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026 said they would recommend Churchdown School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Churchdown School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 292 families put Churchdown School as their first choice for 238 places: about 1 first-choice applications for every place. 227 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 137634.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 10 November 2025 to 6 April 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.