Garth Hill College

  • Secondary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Bull Lane, Bracknell, RG42 2ADOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Garth Hill College is a secondary school in Bracknell for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 46 schools in Bracknell Forest. It ranks 4th of 5 secondary schools in Bracknell. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 14 May 2019, report published 9 June 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth form provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 October 2024

Pupils enjoy coming to this inclusive, friendly school. They foster strong relationships with staff and with one another. Pupils' well-being is a priority. The highly effective pastoral system supports pupils' well-being and mental health. Pupils know they have an adult they can talk to if they have concerns. The school encourages pupils to help others. For example, some pupils support others as mental health ambassadors. Pupils feel safe and cared for. Staff have high expectations for what pupils will achieve, including for those who attend Rise@GHC. Leaders have continued to make improvements in response to previous lower than national average examination results. Pupils are now learning and remembering more across the curriculum. Pupils also value the calm and purposeful atmosphere across the school where many show a positive attitude towards their learning. Pupils benefit from the wide range of worthwhile educational experiences on offer. Pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, compete in a variety of sports, and join in the art or drama club. These opportunities enrich pupils' learning and nurture their per- sonal development. Sixth-form students are excellent role models for younger pupils. They play a vital part in the life of the school by organising charity fundraising events and activities in the local community.

What the school should improve

  • Occasionally, some teachers do not check thoroughly enough that pupils understand what has been taught. As a result, some pupils have misconceptions that are not addressed. The school should ensure that the good practice that exists for checking pupils' understanding is applied consistently across the school so that pupils learn and remember the curriculum successfully in all subjects.
  • Disadvantaged pupils do not always achieve as well as their peers across the curriculum and in examinations. Additionally, some of these pupils do not always gain as much from the wider personal development opportunities offered by the school. The school must ensure that disadvantaged pupils receive the support they need so that they leave the school with the skills and knowledge required to be ready for the next stage in their education.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

268 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score44.2

44.2, 1.9 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths37.3%

37.3%, 8.1 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths58.2%

58.2%, 6.6 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc13.8%

13.8%, 26.7 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.74

3.74, 0.35 below the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

84 students

Average point score per A level entry30.63

30.63, 4.37 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,452 pupils on roll, with places for 1,550

Eligible for free school meals21.7%

21.7%, 4.8 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language19.1%

19.1%, 2.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support9.4%

9.4%, 5.4 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan7.9%

7.9%, 1.9 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Garth Hill College

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Ranelagh School0.6 milesOfsted judgements: OutstandingAttainment 8: 53.4
The Brakenhale School0.9 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 44.2
King's Academy Binfield1 mileOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 48.6
Heathfield School2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 30.6
LVS Ascot2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 27.5

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Keith Grainger
Address
Bull Lane, Bracknell, RG42 2AD
Local authority
Bracknell Forest
URN
110069

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.