Writhlington School
Radstock, BA3 3NQ · Bath and North East Somerset · secondary school
Check the area around this school
11th of 14 secondary schools in Bath and North East Somerset 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 — 3.6/10 against 883 of them, against 3.6/10 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 | 33.3 · 21 | 30% | 0.63 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.08 · 56 | 25% | 1.39 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.5 · 32 | 10% | 0.32 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Writhlington School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023. In 2024/25, 26.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 40.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.08 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Adventure Club, DofE Bronze and Gold, and play rugby, hockey, football, netball, cricket, rounders, badminton, and tennis. The school organises a trip to Ten Tors and provides an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 894 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,547. 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 close the gap between their Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming for DofE Gold?
What Ofsted said about Writhlington School
Overview
Writhlington School provides a high-quality education where pupils benefit from "high expectations" and a "well-rounded education." The report highlights a positive school culture characterised by "respectful" relationships and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- The school has "embedded an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum," ensuring pupils build knowledge systematically, particularly in subjects like English.
- Pupils enjoy a "wide range of enrichment activities," including clubs and the school orchid project, which are planned considerately for those travelling long distances.
- Reading is placed "at its core," with staff providing specific support to ensure pupils with different needs can "keep up with their peers."
- The sixth form offers a "wide range of academic and vocational subjects," enabling many students to progress to university or chosen careers.
- Staff are "vigilant and ambitious," fostering a "calm and structured learning environment" where bullying is "unusual."
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure all teachers are equipped to "check pupils’ learning effectively" to prevent gaps in knowledge, as current checks are not always done effectively.
- Staff require support to fully implement and improve a "minority of subject curriculums" that are still in the "early stages of being implemented," such as modern foreign languages.
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 | 46.5 |
| 2024/25 | 40.3 |
| 2025/26 | 42.5 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BA3 3NQ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT