Upper Shirley High School
Southampton, SO15 7QU · Southampton · secondary school
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4th of 11 secondary schools in Southampton we can score, 12 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.1/10 against 808 of 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 47.8 · 58 | 30% | 1.72 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.09 · 57 | 25% | 1.41 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.6 · 58 | 10% | 0.58 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Upper Shirley High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.09 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join British Sign Language, Volleyball, and Revision Clubs. Trips include a Maths World Trip to London, a St Ives Art Residential for Years 10 and 11, and a GCSE Art Trip to Exbury Gardens. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,062 pupils against a stated capacity of 990. 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 in the Revision Club to prepare for GCSEs? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress
What Ofsted said about Upper Shirley High School
Overview
Upper Shirley High School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The report highlights a ‘reset in standards and expectations’ over the last two years, resulting in a positive environment where pupils are happy and relationships are strong. Most pupils achieve well academically, supported by an ambitious curriculum and dedicated staff.
Strengths
- Relationships are ‘very positive’, with bullying being ‘increasingly rare’ and dealt with effectively.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and ‘taught in a logical way’, ensuring new learning builds on earlier knowledge.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘well supported’ with tailored help.
- Staff provide accurate ‘in the moment’ feedback to reduce misconceptions and support learning.
- Attendance is ‘regular and above national averages’, with specific improvements for disadvantaged pupils.
Areas to improve
- Strategies to help pupils master key concepts are ‘not implemented consistently well’, affecting the quality of some pupils’ work and their ability to retain knowledge.
- The school is ‘not yet meeting the government’s national ambition for EBacc entry’, although higher numbers are entering these subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.2 |
| 2024/25 | 47.0 |
| 2025/26 | 47.6 |
| 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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