Wales High School
Sheffield, S26 5QQ · Rotherham · secondary school
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6th of 16 secondary schools in Rotherham 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 — 4.4/10 against 891 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 42.5 · 44 | 30% | 1.30 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.06 · 46 | 25% | 1.14 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.5 · 42 | 10% | 0.42 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Wales High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.3, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.06 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the ESports club and participate in skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and golf. Trips include residential camps in October, Easter, and summer, plus visits to London, Iceland, and New York. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,783 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,867. 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 support is available for students aiming for higher grades in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about Wales High School
Overview
Wales High School continues to be a good school, described as a "friendly and vibrant" environment where leaders have created a "positive culture." The institution prioritises personal development and inclusivity, ensuring pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain through an ambitious curriculum and strong support for mental health.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with teachers possessing "very strong subject knowledge."
- Personal development is a priority, with pupils learning about "respectful relationships, financial management and discrimination," supported by a "highly effective careers programme."
- Reading is enhanced through the ‘GROW’ curriculum, where leaders "quickly identify the barriers that prevent pupils from reading fluently" and provide necessary support.
- Staff benefit from a "strong programme of professional learning" matched to improvement priorities, while leaders remain "considerate of staff’s well-being."
- Most pupils behave well with "very little interruption to learning," and are confident that staff will address bullying "quickly."
Areas to improve
- The school must implement plans fully to address knowledge gaps for disadvantaged pupils, enabling them to "learn better, particularly by the end of Year 11."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.7 |
| 2024/25 | 45.3 |
| 2025/26 | 44.5 |
| 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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