SchoolScoresMarling School
Grammar school · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Boys only · Sixth form
Part of LIFT SCHOOLS
Cainscross Road, Stroud, GL5 4HE
01453 762251 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
At the inspection that started on 19 November 2024, Ofsted graded each area separately. It stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
434 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Gloucestershire comparisons use the 23 of its 41 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 18 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 | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 14th highest of 23 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucestershire. Higher than 63% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 87% | 88% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 9th highest of 23 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucestershire. Higher than 83% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 94% | 90% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 14th highest of 23 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucestershire. Higher than 67% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 85% | 83% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 99 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 11th highest of 23 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucestershire. Higher than 66% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 55% | 52% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 294 parents who had raised a concern 17th highest of 23 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucestershire. Higher than 43% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 68% | 76% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 56 parents of children with SEND 11th highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucestershire. Higher than 43% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 59% | 67% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 19th highest of 23 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Gloucestershire. Higher than 46% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 78%said yes | 85% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 39%). 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. Gloucestershire figures pool parents at the Gloucestershire 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. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
159 pupils in this year group.
98% — 45 points above the Gloucestershire average, and 53 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 98% | 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. | 73.9 | 50.3 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 6.6 | 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.
158 pupils in this year group.
99% — 6 points above the Gloucestershire average, and 7 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. | 99% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 78% | 46% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 13% | 11% | 13% |
| Further education college | 2% | 26% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 4% | 3% |
| Work | 0% | 4% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 98% | 99% |
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
189 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 | 31% | 34% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 66% | 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. | 38.3 | 36.3 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
28 subjects, 571 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 90 | 13% | 43% | 40% |
| Physics | 49 | 4% | 20% | 31% |
| Biology | 48 | 4% | 27% | 27% |
| History | 48 | 2% | 21% | 23% |
| Psychology | 48 | 15% | 31% | 19% |
| Chemistry | 43 | 9% | 30% | 30% |
| Economics | 36 | 0% | 14% | 26% |
| English Literature | 22 | 9% | 45% | 23% |
| Geography | 22 | 14% | 32% | 23% |
| Government and Politics | 21 | 5% | 24% | 26% |
| Business Studies:Single | 20 | 5% | 15% | 16% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 19 | 0% | 26% | 15% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 18 | 6% | 33% | 24% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 17 | 12% | 41% | 59% |
| Sociology | 17 | 6% | 24% | 20% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 9 | 0% | 22% | 17% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 8 | 50% | 100% | 38% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 6 | 17% | 33% | 19% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: French, Religious Studies, Spanish, Art and Design (Photography), Music, Art and Design (Graphics), Music Technology, Art and Design (Textiles), German, Polish.
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.
232 students in this year group.
84% — about the same as the Gloucestershire average, and 5 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. | 84% | 84% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 8% | 7% |
| Work | 29% | 36% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 90% | 84% |
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.
185 students in this year group.
75% — 16 points above the Gloucestershire average, and 15 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 75% | 59% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 45% | 22% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 80% | 75% |
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 | 149 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 164 |
| Of those, offered a place | 109 (66%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 431 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.3 · 2025: 1.0 · 2026: 1.1
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.
This is a grammar school: places depend on passing an entrance test (the 11 plus), usually taken in September of Year 6.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Gloucestershire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Higher than 2% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 4.5% | 19.4%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Higher than 2% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 0.4% | 3.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Higher than 3% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 4.3% | 12.7%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Higher than 48% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.2% | 9.9%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Lower than 96% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 4.7% | 8.1%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Lower than 95% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 10.2% | 21.7%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 2nd lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Lower than 95% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 1.5 | 18.2 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 2nd lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Lower than 93% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 1.4% | 6.0% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.17% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Higher than 82% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.5 | 17.0 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Higher than 90% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 14.2 | 12.3 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools in Stroud. Higher than 79% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 19.5% | 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
- Stroud High School 0.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 98% grade 5+ English and maths
- Archway School 0.4 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 1 expected, 6 needs attention · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- Wycliffe College 1.9 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 26% A*/A at A level
- Maidenhill School 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017), confirmed 2022 · 42% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Marling School's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection in 19 November 2024, Ofsted graded each area separately; it stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
How did Marling School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 98% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 53 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Marling School?
78% of the 434 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Marling School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Marling School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 164 families put Marling School as their first choice for 149 places: about 1 first-choice applications for every place. 109 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 137123.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 3 September 2024 to 1 September 2025.
- 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.