John Masefield High School
Ledbury, HR8 2HF · Herefordshire, County of · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 15 secondary schools in Herefordshire, County of we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 909 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.7/10 among them, against 4.2/10 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 | 46.1 · 53 | 30% | 1.59 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.35 · 24 | 25% | 0.60 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.0 · 55 | 10% | 0.55 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John Masefield High School overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. In 2024/25, 38.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.35 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 3.5 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 849 pupils against a stated capacity of 930. 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, which are currently below the national benchmark? What specific steps are taken to ensure students meet the higher attainment standards seen in the 2024/25 results?
What Ofsted said about John Masefield High School
Overview
John Masefield High School continues to be a good school, providing a happy and safe environment where pupils feel supported. Leaders have constructed a "rich and engaging curriculum" that prepares students well for future education and employment, with staff praised for their high expectations and dedication.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy and feel safe," benefiting from staff who "make time for them" and effective anonymous reporting systems for bullying.
- The curriculum is "ambitious," allowing most pupils to study the English Baccalaureate alongside a wide range of subjects like dance, drama, and psychology.
- Teachers use "well-ordered lessons" and structured opportunities to improve subject knowledge, helping pupils embed technical terms and produce "well-structured work."
- There is a "strong culture of reading" with bespoke support for those who struggle, ensuring most catch up quickly.
- Leaders provide "strong support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities," with skilled staff adapting tasks so these pupils can keep up with peers.
Areas to improve
- Senior leaders must ensure all Key Stage 4 pupils learn enough in information technology, as currently only those studying GCSE computing develop specific digital and media skills.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and taking "timely, appropriate action" when concerns arise.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.9 |
| 2024/25 | 46.2 |
| 2025/26 | 47.0 |
| 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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