Bishop Fox's School
Taunton, TA1 3HQ · Somerset · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 28 secondary schools in Somerset we can score, 35 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.9/10 against 914 of them, against 6.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 49.8 · 62 | 30% | 1.86 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.17 · 62 | 25% | 1.56 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.7 · 69 | 10% | 0.69 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bishop Fox's School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in May 2023. In 2024/25, 44.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.9, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.17 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,123 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 scores? How does the school manage class sizes with 77 places currently available?
What Ofsted said about Bishop Fox's School
Overview
Bishop Fox’s School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy attending and feel valued. The report highlights a harmonious atmosphere built on warm relationships, high behavioural expectations, and a curriculum that aims to develop ‘the whole child’. While academic rigour and personal development are strong, the inspection identifies a specific need to enhance how pupils discuss their learning.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" with "academic rigour for all pupils," including tailored provision for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Teachers possess "secure knowledge" of their subjects and effectively check learning to "close any gaps in knowledge."
- Provision for wider personal development is an "area of particular strength," with PSHE lessons linking to school values and preparing pupils well for future choices.
- Leaders have prioritised reading, ensuring pupils learn important vocabulary and receive "precise support" if they struggle, fostering a love of reading.
- Staff morale is high due to clear communication of goals and actions taken to "reduce staff workloads and improve well-being."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers promote "appropriate discussions as part of learning," as current approaches mean some pupils lack confidence to articulate what they know and misconceptions can persist.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, supported by well-trained staff, clear communication, and a "very strong culture of safeguarding."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.6 |
| 2024/25 | 46.9 |
| 2025/26 | 49.7 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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