Southborough High School
Surbiton, KT6 5AS · Kingston upon Thames · secondary school
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10th of 11 secondary schools in Kingston upon Thames we can score. 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 — 6.9/10 against 899 of them, against 6.2/10 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 | 47.3 · 56 | 30% | 1.69 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.29 · 72 | 25% | 1.80 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.2 · 56 | 10% | 0.56 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Southborough High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.29 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Samba Band, Southborough Choir, and Acting Club, or play football, cricket, and basketball. Trips include a Colegios el valle exchange and visits to Normandy and Stratford. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 935 pupils against a stated capacity of 915. 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
Since the last inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils in balancing the wide range of clubs and sports with their
What Ofsted said about Southborough High School
Overview
The report describes Southborough High School as providing a “caring and compassionate environment” where staff know pupils well and behaviour is typically good. Leaders have created an “inclusive offer” with a broad curriculum, resulting in pupils who “achieve well” and are actively involved in extra-curricular activities and community service.
Strengths
- Staff present information clearly and “check pupils’ understanding regularly,” ensuring errors are swiftly corrected.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “fully included in the wider life of the school” and follow the same curriculum as their peers.
- The curriculum for personal, social, health and economic education is “coherent and well sequenced,” helping pupils embed understanding of important issues.
- Leaders support staff well-being and workload, while a “skilled board of trustees” supports strategic development effectively.
- Sixth-form provision is highly inclusive, with students playing an active role in the school community through charity events and mentoring.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum is at an “earlier stage of development,” meaning some pupils have not secured the knowledge needed for more complex concepts.
- Support for pupils at an early stage of learning to read is “not fully embedded,” resulting in inconsistent help that reduces their ability to become confident, fluent readers.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with a positive culture, appropriately qualified staff, and close collaboration with local agencies to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.2 |
| 2024/25 | 48.3 |
| 2025/26 | 47.2 |
| 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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