West Somerset College
Minehead, TA24 6AY · Somerset · secondary school
Check the area around this school
26th of 28 secondary schools in Somerset we can score, 35 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 880 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5/10 among them, against 2.3/10 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 | 9 | 35% | 0.30 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 35.6 · 26 | 30% | 0.78 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.5 · 16 | 25% | 0.40 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.2 · 30 | 10% | 0.30 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
West Somerset College overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.5 in 2023/24, 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 1.0 out of 10 among them, against 2.0 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 745 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,509. 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 Progress 8 at -0.5, how does the school support students to improve their progress from their starting point? Since the January 2026 inspection used the new framework, which specific areas received the highest grades? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll of 745?
What Ofsted said about West Somerset College
Overview
West Somerset College has established stability following a period of change, with leaders actively implementing improvements to raise standards. While safeguarding and inclusion meet expected standards, the report identifies that achievement, attendance, and teaching quality currently require attention as new strategies are in their early stages.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Inclusion is effective; leaders "identify pupils’ individual needs accurately and promptly," ensuring pupils with SEND "succeed in their learning."
- Personal development is strong, with pupils gaining understanding of "fundamental British values" and receiving tailored careers guidance.
- Staff feel "valued and part of the direction of the school," supported by a focus on staff wellbeing.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must reduce high rates of absence, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, to maximise learning opportunities.
- Teaching must be strengthened to close gaps in basic knowledge and skills, ensuring more pupils secure expected standards in English and mathematics.
- Leaders should take action to reduce persistent disruptive behaviour and improve overall pupil achievement in national examinations.
Safeguarding
The report states that safeguarding standards are met, noting that leaders have established an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and that "pupils are made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.7 |
| 2024/25 | 41.2 |
| 2025/26 | 42.2 |
| 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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