Dene Magna and Sixth Form
Mitcheldean, GL17 0DU · Gloucestershire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
30th of 41 secondary schools in Gloucestershire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 921 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.0/10 among them, against 4.1/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 36.9 · 30 | 46% | 1.37 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.05 · 54 | 38% | 2.07 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.1 · 40 | 15% | 0.61 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dene Magna and Sixth Form overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 52.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.05 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Gold awards, the Scholars Programme, and Paper Birds at Blake Theatre. Sports include netball, golf, and a skiing trip. Trips visit the Cheltenham Science Festival, Normandy, and Goodrich Castle.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,020 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,125. 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 in maintaining their Progress 8 scores across different subject groups? What specific support is available for students aiming for Duke of Edinburgh Gold?
What Ofsted said about Dene Magna and Sixth Form
Overview
Pupils describe the school as being like ‘a family’, characterised by ‘warm relationships’ and a ‘caring community’. The inspection highlights ‘exemplary’ behaviour and ‘exceptional’ personal development, with pupils feeling safe, happy, and proud of their school. While the quality of education and leadership are judged as ‘Good’, the report notes that the curriculum’s impact is not yet consistent for all pupils.
Strengths
- Behaviour is ‘exemplary’, with lessons being ‘free from disruption’ and pupils showing ‘high levels of respect’.
- Personal development is ‘exceptional’, ensuring pupils are ‘fully prepared for life in modern Britain’.
- Staff ‘know pupils’ needs well’ and adjust teaching effectively for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- The school offers a ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum that builds an ‘appreciation of diversity’.
- Pastoral support is timely and effective, with leaders using data to ‘target their actions’ and overcome attendance barriers.
Areas to improve
- Pupils’ understanding during lessons is ‘not routinely checked’, meaning learning is not always adapted accordingly.
- Some disadvantaged pupils ‘are not achieving as highly as they could’, with gaps in knowledge due to work not matching their needs.
- Some pupils in reading interventions experience a ‘narrower curriculum’ than their peers.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.3 |
| 2024/25 | 52.6 |
| 2025/26 | 44.1 |
| 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
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