Plymstock School
Plymouth, PL9 9AZ · Plymouth · secondary school
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6th of 19 secondary schools in Plymouth we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.7/10 against 919 of them, against 6.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 54.8 · 73 | 30% | 2.19 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.0 · 50 | 25% | 1.26 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 51.0 · 74 | 10% | 0.74 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Plymstock School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.0 in 2023/24, meaning pupils did as well as those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs including Homework Support, Singing Group, WARHAMMER 40,000, and Dungeons & Dragons. Sports options include Football, Netball, Basketball, and Badminton. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,515 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,680. 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
With 165 places currently spare, how does the school manage class sizes for new intakes? How does the support structure for Year 11 GCSE Computer Science and Design & Technology operate during term time? What specific steps are taken to maintain the Good Ofsted rating following
What Ofsted said about Plymstock School
Overview
Plymstock School provides a high-quality education where most pupils enjoy learning and aspire to achieve. The report highlights a well-structured curriculum and strong personal development, particularly through peer mentoring and sixth-form opportunities. However, inconsistencies in behaviour management and the planning of personal, social and health education (PSHE) require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils are inspired to ‘go above and beyond’, with many opportunities to broaden knowledge through theatre visits, sports, and art clubs.
- The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge; for instance, Year 10 pupils write ‘insightfully’ about Shakespearean tragedy.
- Sixth-form students develop strong leadership skills through peer mentoring and tutoring, carrying out these roles with ‘great responsibility and sensitivity’.
- Staff use assessment effectively to address misconceptions, ensuring most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn well.
- Leaders provide a detailed careers programme, including work experience and university visits, to prepare pupils for future study and employment.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure agreed behaviour approaches are implemented consistently, as a minority of pupils currently disrupt the learning of others.
- The PSHE programme is not well planned; leaders must ensure it supports pupils to be ‘well prepared for life in twenty-first century Britain’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders described as ‘tenacious’ in ensuring pupils receive the right support and ‘meticulous’ in recording concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.1 |
| 2024/25 | 47.3 |
| 2025/26 | 51.0 |
| 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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