The Island Free School
Ventnor, PO38 1BG · Isle of Wight · secondary school
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1st of 7 secondary schools in Isle of Wight 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 — 6.1/10 against 920 of them, against 5.9/10 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 | 47.1 · 56 | 30% | 1.67 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.24 · 68 | 25% | 1.70 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.8 · 49 | 10% | 0.49 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Island Free School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted following an inspection in 2023. In 2024/25, 56.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 51.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.24 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a prep club, contribute to the pupil newspaper and radio, or take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Sports include hockey, while arts and music offer lessons, dance, and the TIFS Dance Showcase. Expeditions are part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
Getting in
The published school roll is 613 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
With 12 places currently spare, how does the school manage entry-year availability for new students? How does the Progress 8 score of +0.24 translate into support for individual pupils? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Att
What Ofsted said about The Island Free School
Overview
The Island Free School continues to be a good school, described as a "vibrant, inclusive and happy" environment where pupils are "extremely proud" to attend. Leaders maintain high expectations for conduct and have established strong pastoral systems that nurture excellent relationships between staff and pupils. The school offers an ambitious curriculum with a strong academic core and rich cultural elements, ensuring pupils are well prepared for future learning.
Strengths
- Pupils’ behaviour and manners are "exemplary," with bullying incidents being "extremely rare."
- An "impressive enrichment programme" provides a wealth of new experiences, contributing to the school’s "‘family’ feel."
- Teachers use texts effectively to develop vocabulary and encourage discussion, giving reading and communication skills "a high status."
- The pastoral system is "highly effective," ensuring issues are picked up and addressed "extremely quickly."
- Governors provide "highly effective challenge and support," and staff are "hugely proud" to work at the school.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should improve the quality of curriculum planning and implementation across all subjects, particularly in key stage 3, where some pupils do not achieve as well as they could.
- Provision for pupils at the early stages of learning to read needs to improve rapidly, including addressing gaps in phonic knowledge to help weaker readers catch up.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, underpinned by a "strong culture of vigilance," rigorous systems, and high-quality training.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.1 |
| 2024/25 | 51.0 |
| 2025/26 | 45.8 |
| 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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