Three Rivers Academy
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of THE HOWARD PARTNERSHIP TRUST
Bell Farm Way, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 5EJ
01932 242994 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
At the inspection that started on 15 October 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
270 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Surrey comparisons use the 32 of its 63 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 31 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 | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 13th highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 79% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 89% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 16th highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 71% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 92% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 24th highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 51% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 79% | 87% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 87 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 24th highest of 30 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 45% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 48% | 56% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 217 parents who had raised a concern Joint 17th highest of 31 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 73% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 79% | 80% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 83 parents of children with SEND 5th highest of 15 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 82% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 77% | 67% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 19th highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 62% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 84%said yes | 88% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 19%). 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. Surrey figures pool parents at the Surrey 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
249 pupils in this year group.
39% — 16 points below the Surrey average, and 6 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 39% | 55% | 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. | 42.3 | 50.8 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 3.7 | 4.5 | 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.
202 pupils in this year group.
94% — about the same as the Surrey average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 94% | 94% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 42% | 29% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 17% | 32% | 13% |
| Further education college | 28% | 26% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 92% | 94% |
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
73 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 13% | 30% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 39% | 59% | 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. | 31.3 | 37.2 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
23 subjects, 191 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Studies:Single | 25 | 4% | 4% | 16% |
| History | 24 | 8% | 21% | 23% |
| Psychology | 20 | 5% | 25% | 19% |
| Economics | 15 | 0% | 7% | 26% |
| Sociology | 15 | 7% | 20% | 20% |
| Mathematics | 14 | 7% | 14% | 40% |
| Classical Civilisation | 12 | 0% | 17% | 23% |
| Biology | 10 | 0% | 0% | 27% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
| Government and Politics | 7 | 14% | 14% | 26% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| English Language and Literature | 6 | 17% | 33% | 16% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Media/Film/Tv Studies, Physics, Art and Design (Fine Art), Chemistry, Computer Studies / Computing, Mathematics (Further), Art and Design (Photography), Art and Design (Textiles), Geography, Spanish, 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.
68 students in this year group.
74% — 8 points below the Surrey average, and 5 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 74% | 82% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 5% | 7% |
| Work | 24% | 32% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 85% | 74% |
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.
59 students in this year group.
64% — about the same as the Surrey average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 64% | 65% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 15% | 24% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 60% | 64% |
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 Surrey. 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 fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 227 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 114 |
| Of those, offered a place | 114 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 353 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.5 · 2025: 0.3 · 2026: 0.5
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
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision with 24 places for autism. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 9th highest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Higher than 45% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 25.1% | 15.3%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 6th highest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Higher than 91% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 5.8% | 3.6%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 37th highest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Higher than 44% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.8% | 13.5%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 24th highest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Higher than 58% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 15.2% | 12.8%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 50th lowest of 58 state secondary schools in Surrey. Lower than 31% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 9.5% | 7.3%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 51st lowest of 58 state secondary schools in Surrey. Lower than 33% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 26.8% | 18.6%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 30th lowest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Lower than 54% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.0 | 14.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 29th lowest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Lower than 61% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.4% | 5.8% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded1 pupil | 0.07% | 0.15% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 22nd highest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Higher than 56% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 17.1 | 16.7 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 45th highest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Higher than 40% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.4 | 12.2 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 15th highest of 59 state secondary schools in Surrey. Higher than 77% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 18.9% | 14.7%* | 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.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Esher CofE High School 1.4 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 1 strong, 5 expected · 61% grade 5+ English and maths
- Heathside Walton-on-Thames 1.6 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025)
- Claremont Fan Court School 1.7 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 52% A*/A at A level
- ACS Cobham International School 1.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Halliford School 2.1 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 24% A*/A at A level
- The Beech House School 2.2 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Thamesmead School 2.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2012), confirmed 2022 · 51% grade 5+ English and maths
- Milbourne Lodge School 2.2 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Notre Dame School 2.3 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 46% A*/A at A level
- Cobham Free School 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017), confirmed 2023 · 55% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Three Rivers Academy's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection in 15 October 2024, Ofsted graded each area separately; it stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
How did Three Rivers Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 39% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 6 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Three Rivers Academy?
84% of the 270 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Three Rivers Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Three Rivers Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 114 families put Three Rivers Academy as their first choice for 227 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 114 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 144503.
- 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.