Bradon Forest School
Swindon, SN5 4AT · Wiltshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
16th of 27 secondary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 28 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 the 882 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.5/10 among them, against 4.4/10 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 | 43.5 · 46 | 30% | 1.38 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.08 · 44 | 25% | 1.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.5 · 36 | 10% | 0.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bradon Forest School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.08 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.1 out of 10 among them, against 5.1 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Unique Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Toppsta Book Club, and Student librarians. Arts and music options include the Jazz Band, singing lessons, and Bradon Forest Theatre. Trips include visits to Boulogne Sur Mer, Paris, Barcelona, Dover Castle, and Cabot Circus. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 987 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,260. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8? How does the after-school club integrate with the
What Ofsted said about Bradon Forest School
Overview
Bradon Forest School provides a "good quality of education" with a curriculum that has become "more ambitious" since the last inspection. Leaders have strengthened teaching methods, resulting in pupils "learning and achieving well in most subjects," while fostering a calm atmosphere and strong personal development through diverse extra-curricular activities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well-planned," with teachers using "good ways of helping pupils to recall important knowledge" and skilful questioning to identify learning gaps.
- Personal development is supported by a "strong careers programme," regular trips, and workshops on topics such as "progressive masculinity and diversity."
- Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," with staff trained to remain "alert to potential signs of harm" and pupils feeling safe both in school and online.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has "recently improved," with most receiving good support when teachers have accurate information.
- Staff enjoy working at the school, where the headteacher has created a "sense of common purpose" and leaders work closely with families.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must introduce effective strategies to help pupils read well and "prioritise reading across the curriculum," particularly for those who have fallen behind.
- Leaders must further develop their strategic approach to supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, as these groups "attend school less frequently than their peers."
- Plans to ensure better achievement of disadvantaged pupils are "not developed" and require attention.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff are confident in reporting concerns promptly and pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.0 |
| 2024/25 | 48.1 |
| 2025/26 | 43.5 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of SN5 4AT, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT