Kesgrave High School
Ipswich, IP5 2PB · Suffolk · secondary school
Check the area around this school
9th 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 765 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6/10 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 | 47.7 · 57 | 30% | 1.72 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.17 · 62 | 25% | 1.56 |
| 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.
Kesgrave High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.17 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6 out of 10 among them, against 6.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and the Battle of the Bands.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,875 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,850. 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 support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are students prepared for the physical demands of the Three Peaks Challenge?
What Ofsted said about Kesgrave High School
Overview
Pupils receive a good education at this popular school, where leaders advocate a culture of high expectations and aspirations. The environment is described as calm and orderly, with pupils showing pride in their school and enjoying positive relationships with staff who know them well.
Strengths
- Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and plan learning logically, helping pupils build detailed understanding and recall essential ideas.
- A capable pastoral team works collaboratively to support pupils, with older students relishing opportunities to mentor younger peers.
- The sixth form offers a personalised curriculum and high-quality careers advice, helping students prepare effectively for their next steps.
- Leaders have adapted the curriculum to address learning gaps caused by the pandemic, particularly through a focused reading support programme for key stage 3.
- The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well known, with staff accessing detailed plans to support them in lessons.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all key stage 4 pupils receive high-quality reading support, as some currently lack age-appropriate skills and struggle to access the curriculum.
- Systems for tracking and analysing school performance are underdeveloped; leaders should refine these to quickly identify and address weaknesses.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being well trained and vigilant, though record-keeping of employment checks needs to be more precise.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.6 |
| 2024/25 | 49.7 |
| 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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