The Gatwick School
Crawley, RH10 9TP · West Sussex · all-through school
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28th of 38 secondary schools in West Sussex we can score, 40 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 916 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1/10 among them, against 3.3/10 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 | 42.3 · 43 | 30% | 1.29 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.42 · 20 | 25% | 0.49 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.0 · 39 | 10% | 0.39 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Gatwick School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted following a June 2024 inspection. In 2024/25, 30.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 39.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 for 2023/24 was -0.42, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join homework, STEM, debating, languages, and Eco clubs, alongside student leadership drop-ins and mindfulness sessions. Sports include football, netball, and basketball, while arts and music offer choir, school band, and creative writing. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 861 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,020. 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 strategies are used to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds? How is the after-school club structured to support academic work?
What Ofsted said about The Gatwick School
Overview
Pupils feel part of ‘one big family’ in this ambitious all-through school, where a ‘refreshed culture of aspiration’ is building confidence. Leaders have addressed past underachievement by refining the curriculum and recruiting new staff, resulting in clear expectations and effective teaching. The school is described as ‘tenacious in addressing these issues’, with staff empowered by rapid improvements.
Strengths
- Teachers ‘explain things clearly’ and use expert subject knowledge to help pupils understand ‘smaller ideas that underpin larger concepts’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive ‘effective help to learn well’, including support in ‘The Nest’ and ‘The Warren’ for emotional management.
- A ‘systematic phonics approach’ ensures children learn to read well, with most pupils developing ‘an enjoyment of books and literature’.
- ‘Clear and consistent school routines’ foster a culture of mutual respect, with leaders intervening quickly to encourage positive behaviour.
- Reception children form ‘warm nurturing relationships’ with staff and benefit from detailed support plans for additional needs.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure all staff in all subjects ‘consistently and expertly close gaps in pupils’ learning’ to fully realise its ambitious plans.
- Leaders need to continue implementing their improvement approach to ensure pupils ‘achieve all that they can’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 37.4 |
| 2024/25 | 39.7 |
| 2025/26 | 44.0 |
| 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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