Great Marlow School
Marlow, SL7 1JE · Buckinghamshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
19th of 36 secondary schools in Buckinghamshire we can score, 37 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 829 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0/10 among them, against 5.7/10 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 | 49.2 · 60 | 30% | 1.82 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.02 · 49 | 25% | 1.22 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.2 · 67 | 10% | 0.67 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Great Marlow School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.02 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 3.4 out of 10 among them, against 5.6 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, participate in rugby, football, hockey, netball, trampoline, volleyball, tennis, and badminton, or take part in dance.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,395 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,180. 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 whose Progress 8 score is below the national baseline? How does the school integrate the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about Great Marlow School
Overview
Great Marlow School continues to be a good school, delivering on its vision to enable all pupils to fulfil their potential through a balance of academic success and well-being. The report highlights a "studious atmosphere" and a "friendly and inclusive" environment where pupils are actively encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour.
Strengths
- Pupils gain a "good all-round education" with access to an "impressive range of clubs and activities," including distinctive Olympic sports such as rowing.
- Staff have "high expectations" and plan activities that build on prior knowledge, ensuring pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, learn well and develop a broad range of skills.
- The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils being "extremely proud" of their inclusive school and warmly welcoming those from different backgrounds, including Ukrainian pupils.
- Leaders are described as having "integrity" and being "determined to ensure that pupils receive the very best opportunities," with staff feeling valued and well supported.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a "well-established safeguarding culture" and vigilant staff who receive regular training.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue efforts to promote modern foreign languages, as the low take-up means too few pupils achieve the English Baccalaureate.
- Leaders must ensure the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum is of the same high quality as other subjects, as pupils sometimes struggle to remember what they have been taught in these lessons.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, supported by a "well-established safeguarding culture" where staff are vigilant and leaders ensure systems are "organised meticulously."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.4 |
| 2024/25 | 47.9 |
| 2025/26 | 49.2 |
| 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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