Kennet School
Thatcham, RG19 4LL · West Berkshire · secondary school
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4th of 9 secondary schools in West Berkshire we can score, 10 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 4.4/10 among them, against 5.9/10 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 | 47.9 · 58 | 30% | 1.73 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.15 · 60 | 25% | 1.51 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.0 · 60 | 10% | 0.60 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Kennet School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.15 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.5 out of 10 among them, against 5.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access chess, coding, dance, drama, design and technology, choir, language, and science clubs. Sports include swimming, squash, table tennis, badminton, basketball, rugby, netball, and cricket. Arts provision covers house performing arts, school productions, showcase concerts, instrumental lessons, plays, musicals, and recitals. Trips include educational tours abroad, expeditions, international sports tours, theatre trips, and a Korean Exchange Programme. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,824 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,881. 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
What Ofsted said about Kennet School
Overview
The report describes an inclusive school where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported to succeed at the highest level. Leaders have designed a "highly ambitious curriculum" that fosters curiosity and ensures pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, produce work of "exceptional quality."
Strengths
- The curriculum is broad and well-designed, with teachers using "excellent examples" to help pupils "analyse and think deeply."
- The approach to reading is "impressive," featuring the ‘Kennet Canon’ which challenges pupils’ thinking and promotes values like "tolerance and respect."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported "extremely well" through carefully crafted teaching adaptations.
- The school offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities that pupils take up with "enthusiasm."
- Staff feel supported and value leaders’ attention to their workload, while governors provide "effective, rigorous challenge" to ensure continuous improvement.
Areas to improve
- A minority of staff do not always apply agreed behaviour policies consistently, leading to occasional disruptions from "off-task chatter." The school should ensure all staff apply these policies consistently well.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.5 |
| 2024/25 | 46.5 |
| 2025/26 | 48.0 |
| 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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