Debenham High School
Stowmarket, IP14 6BL · Suffolk · secondary school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 43 secondary schools in Suffolk we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 693 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.8/10 among them, against 8.1/10 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 | 55.1 · 74 | 30% | 2.20 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.76 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 51.5 · 76 | 10% | 0.76 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Debenham High School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in 2023. In 2024/25, 68.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.76 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 714 pupils against a stated capacity of 625. 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 89, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? Since the last inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made since then? How does the school support pupils in transitioning to sixth form or further education?
What Ofsted said about Debenham High School
Overview
Pupils at Debenham High School make "excellent progress" and leave having achieved high standards, supported by "highly focused, good-quality teaching." The school fosters an environment where pupils are "very happy and safe," demonstrating "exemplary" behaviour and strong self-control. Leaders maintain high expectations that pupils consistently meet, resulting in a positive and respectful school community.
Strengths
- Pupils display "exemplary" behaviour, with "very high levels of self-control" and mutual respect.
- The curriculum is "progressive" and broad, with teachers regularly checking understanding to address gaps.
- Personal development is outstanding, featuring an "excellent quality" PSHE curriculum and thorough careers education.
- Staff provide "highly focused" teaching, with appropriate adaptations ensuring most pupils with special educational needs make "strong progress."
- There is "very little bullying," and pupils are confident that staff will resolve any unkind behaviour quickly.
Areas to improve
- Support for pupils with weak reading and mathematics is "not as rigorous as it should be," requiring better staff expertise and monitoring to help them catch up.
- Key stage 4 pupils do not read regularly beyond English lessons; leaders must develop strategies to encourage wider reading across the school.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff well trained to identify risks and leaders working tenaciously with agencies to ensure pupils receive timely support.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 55.4 |
| 2024/25 | 55.7 |
| 2025/26 | 51.5 |
| 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 IP14 6BL, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT