Cantell School
Southampton, SO16 3GJ · Southampton · secondary school
Check the area around this school
3rd of 11 secondary schools in Southampton we can score, 12 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 — 6.8/10 against 456 of them, against 4.5/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 37.8 · 32 | 30% | 0.96 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.21 · 65 | 25% | 1.63 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.1 · 34 | 10% | 0.34 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cantell School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.2% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.21 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join gymnastics, badminton, basketball, rugby, health and fitness, athletics, handball, and striking and Fielding clubs. Year 7 students attend a New Forest survival day, and the school hosts Fine Dining events.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,313 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,250. 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
What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the Fine Dining events structured for different year groups?
What Ofsted said about Cantell School
Overview
Cantell School is described as an ‘exceptional school’ where pupils are ‘exceptionally proud’ to be part of the ‘Cantell family’. The inspection found that leaders have driven the school ‘from strength to strength’, delivering an ‘excellent education’ characterised by high expectations and a highly positive culture.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and ‘highly effective’, with learning ‘sequenced logically’ so that pupils display ‘impressive knowledge’.
- Pupils’ behaviour is ‘exemplary’, showing ‘high levels of respect for all staff’ in a ‘diverse and inclusive’ environment.
- Leaders are ‘highly effective’ and ‘strongly analytical’, enabling them to ‘quickly improve any aspect that needs it’.
- Pupils are ‘very well prepared for life in modern Britain and the world’ through ‘well-thought-through and varied careers education’.
- Staff well-being is prioritised, with leaders ensuring they ‘care about their well-being and workload’.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.6 |
| 2024/25 | 46.9 |
| 2025/26 | 43.1 |
| 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 SO16 3GJ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT