The Costello School
Basingstoke, RG21 4AL · Hampshire · secondary school
36th of 67 secondary schools in Hampshire we can score, 69 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 861 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6/10 among them, against 5.7/10 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 | 15 | 35% | 0.51 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2024/25 | 49.6 · 64 | 30% | 1.92 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.03 · 48 | 25% | 1.20 |
| Attainment 8 2024/25 | 47.3 · 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.
Get to know the school
How it's doing. The school is rated Good by Ofsted following a February 2026 inspection. In 2024/25, 49.6% 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 -0.03 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than peers nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6 out of 10 among them, against 5.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom. Pupils can join the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh, and Young Interpreter, participate in skiing, and take part in school productions and the Eisteddfod. Trips include visits to St Ives, battlefields, Disneyland Paris, Thorpe Park, and the theatre.
Getting in. The school has 1222 pupils in a capacity of 1120, meaning it is over capacity by 102. The school is over its stated capacity, so places are competitive.
Worth asking on a visit. How does the school manage the pressure of being 102 pupils over capacity? What support is available for pupils whose Progress 8 score is below the national baseline? How are the competitive entry requirements communicated to prospective families?
Written by AI from this school's published results, inspection record and its own website — not by Ofsted, the school, or SchoolsGPT staff. Every figure above comes from the sources on this page. Check anything that matters with the school.
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.
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