The Banovallum School
Horncastle, LN9 6DA · Lincolnshire · secondary school
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31st of 54 secondary schools in Lincolnshire 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 — 2.6/10 against 691 of them, against 2.3/10 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 | 19.7 · 4 | 30% | 0.10 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.04 · 53 | 25% | 1.33 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 35.2 · 6 | 10% | 0.06 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Banovallum School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the last inspection in May 2023. In 2024/25, 28.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.04 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 (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 621 pupils against a stated capacity of 625. 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 the current Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific steps are taken to maintain the positive Progress 8 trend identified in the 2023/24 data? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll is very close to its maximum capacity?
What Ofsted said about The Banovallum School
Overview
The Banovallum School continues to be a good school, where staff are determined that pupils will succeed. Leaders have implemented an ambitious curriculum that helps pupils "know more and remember more," resulting in a "harmonious community" with strong behaviour.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully designed" and "ambitious," with leaders identifying key topics to ensure pupils retain knowledge, reflected in Key Stage 4 results.
- Pupils behave well, with a "fair and consistent" behaviour policy; bullying is rare and pupils are confident it will be dealt with.
- Teachers generally display "sound subject knowledge," use assessment effectively to check understanding, and adapt learning to address misconceptions.
- There is an "extensive programme of clubs and activities" and detailed careers guidance, preparing pupils well for adult life.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is effective, with teaching assistants helping them develop secure knowledge.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all pupils make "ambitious choices" for Key Stage 4 courses, as the number studying the full range of academic subjects is below target.
- Support for pupils with below-average reading skills is "variable"; leaders should embed a "sequenced and well-planned reading curriculum" so early readers catch up quickly.
- In some lessons, teachers’ subject knowledge is "not as secure," which slows down some pupils’ learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with thorough systems for reporting concerns, regular staff training, and pupils feeling safe and knowing how to recognise risks.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 41.9 |
| 2024/25 | 41.9 |
| 2025/26 | 35.2 |
| 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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