Thurston Community College
Bury St Edmunds, IP31 3PB · Suffolk · secondary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 43 secondary schools in Suffolk we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 886 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.0/10 among them, against 4.5/10 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 | 45.2 · 50 | 30% | 1.51 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.16 · 38 | 25% | 0.95 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.9 · 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.
Thurston Community College overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.16 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly 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 4.0 out of 10 among them, against 5.4 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a Student Union and a PE Extra-Curricular Programme.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,512 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,800. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific activities are available within the Student Union? How does the PE Extra-Curricular Programme operate for students who do not play competitive sports?
What Ofsted said about Thurston Community College
Overview
Thurston Community College continues to be a good school, where many pupils benefit from a curriculum with "high aspiration" and secure important knowledge. However, inconsistencies in behaviour management and assessment practices mean that some pupils struggle to meet expectations or retain information effectively.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully designed with "precisely defined" knowledge, enabling all pupils, including those with SEND, to achieve success.
- Reading is well integrated, with pupils accessing a "broad range of engaging texts" and receiving effective support.
- Teachers generally transform plans into "engaging and well-thought-out learning experiences," explaining complex ideas clearly.
- Sixth-form students enjoy "high-quality learning experiences" and value the support and independence provided.
- The personal, social, health and economics programme is "well planned," helping pupils make informed career and life choices.
Areas to improve
- Staff must apply the behaviour policy consistently, as current inconsistencies cause confusion and frustration for some pupils.
- All teachers need to use assessment strategies effectively to identify gaps and adapt teaching to meet individual needs.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.4 |
| 2024/25 | 46.9 |
| 2025/26 | 45.9 |
| 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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