Rye College
Rye, TN31 7NQ · East Sussex · secondary school
Check the area around this school
19th of 24 secondary schools in East Sussex we can score, 26 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 2.1/10 against 582 of them, against 1.5/10 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 | 33.3 · 21 | 30% | 0.63 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.85 · 5 | 25% | 0.12 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 40.6 · 22 | 10% | 0.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Rye College overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023. In 2024/25, 35.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 36.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.85 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Rye Water Sports, take Music Lessons, and attend trips to the London West End, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, and the Hertsmonceux Science Observatory.
Getting in
The published school roll is 645 pupils against a stated capacity of 750. 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 close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How does the curriculum balance academic rigour with the extensive trip programme?
What Ofsted said about Rye College
Overview
Rye College has made significant progress since joining its trust, with inspectors judging overall effectiveness as 'Good'. The school fosters a 'happy, friendly atmosphere' where pupils feel safe and relationships are strong, driven by 'strong leadership' and dedicated staff. Current pupils are learning well across a wide range of subjects, benefiting from an ambitious curriculum and high expectations for behaviour and conduct.
Strengths
- Leaders have introduced an 'ambitious curriculum' that provides a solid foundation, with high numbers of pupils studying separate sciences and humanities.
- Teachers possess 'strong subject knowledge' and frequently revisit previous learning to help pupils recall information securely.
- Personal development is prioritised through 'life education' lessons, mindfulness, and a 'rich programme' of careers education that prepares pupils well for post-16 pathways.
- Staff are 'loyal and committed', appreciating the support provided by leaders regarding workload, well-being, and professional development.
- Effective strategies are in place to reduce suspensions, with staff helping pupils resolve disagreements and repeat offences declining.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers 'thoroughly check that pupils have grasped key knowledge and concepts before moving on' so learning is securely embedded.
- Staff require appropriate training to better 'adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND' so they achieve sufficiently well.
- Leaders must continue to prioritise work with families to improve attendance, as some pupils 'do not attend as regularly as they should'.
Safeguarding
The report states that 'arrangements for safeguarding are effective', with robust reporting systems, high-quality staff training, and strong links with outside agencies.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 36.3 |
| 2024/25 | 36.8 |
| 2025/26 | 40.6 |
| 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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