The Blue School
Wells, BA5 2NR · Somerset · secondary school
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8th of 28 secondary schools in Somerset we can score, 35 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 the 876 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among them, against 5.2/10 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 | 40.8 · 39 | 30% | 1.18 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.19 · 64 | 25% | 1.60 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.7 · 59 | 10% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Blue School overview
How it's doing
The school holds a Good Ofsted rating from July 2023. In 2024/25, 50.6% 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 stood at +0.19 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same point. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Gardening, Junior Gym, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, Ten Tors Challenge, Operation Wallacea, and World Challenge clubs. Arts activities include Production Week, while trips include a Year 9 Spanish experience and a Year 7 Camp to the Forest of Dean. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,362 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,640. 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 maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for students aiming to exceed the national median in Attainment 8?
What Ofsted said about The Blue School
Overview
The Blue School continues to be a good school, characterised by an "ambitious and caring culture" where pupils are "happy and safe" and achieve well. Leaders have established a broad, academically rigorous curriculum that balances creative subjects with strong pastoral support, fostering an inclusive community where bullying is not tolerated.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from "warm and respectful relationships" with teachers who care deeply about their academic progress and well-being.
- The curriculum is "broad and academically rigorous," allowing pupils to pursue interests and build on prior learning in most subjects.
- Staff have a "good knowledge" of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, adapting teaching appropriately to ensure they receive necessary support.
- There is a "strong culture of safeguarding" where safety is treated as "everyone’s business," with staff trained to report concerns effectively.
- Pupils enjoy a wide range of clubs, activities, and leadership opportunities, including mentoring younger students and participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Areas to improve
- Checks on what pupils have learned do not always identify gaps in knowledge, particularly in key stage 3, hindering teachers’ ability to address misconceptions.
- Leaders should support teachers to use appropriate assessment strategies to ensure pupils achieve well across the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where adults and children have a good knowledge of local risks and staff work tenaciously to secure support for vulnerable children.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.0 |
| 2024/25 | 49.7 |
| 2025/26 | 47.7 |
| 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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