The Costello School
Crossborough Hill, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4ALOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Costello School is a secondary school in Basingstoke for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 600 schools in Hampshire. It ranks 2nd of 7 secondary schools in Basingstoke. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in February 2026.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 10 February 2026, report published 20 April 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Expected standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Expected standard
- Achievement
- Expected standard
- Attendance and behaviour
- Expected standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Expected standard
- Leadership and governance
- Expected standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 10 February 2026
Pupils are proud to belong to this welcoming school, where they are encouraged to be ambitious for their futures. This stems from the inspirational 'game changers' the school's houses are named after. Pupils are motivated by these people's achievements and aspire to be 'game changers' in society themselves. The school's interesting and engaging curriculum means that pupils enjoy coming to school each day. They attend regularly. Leaders' recent work to strengthen teaching across the school ensures that pupils typically leave the school with the knowledge and skills that prepare them well for further education or training. This includes for pupils who are disadvantaged or those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils who experience barriers to their wellbeing receive individual support in the Harriet wellbeing centre so that they can thrive. Pupils demonstrate the school's value of respect as a foundation of their positive relationships in the school. They feel valued and included by their peers and staff. Pupils participate widely in extra-curricular opportunities because there is something offered for everyone. The school's outdoor curriculum is an entitlement for every pupil. Through this, pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND, develop important life skills and make positive contributions to the school's environment. For example, through tree planting. Pupils behave very well. Staff encourage calm and purposeful classrooms that enable pupils to learn well. During social times, pupils are well mannered and show kindness towards each other. Bullying and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated. Pupils appreciate the care that staff show them if they have any worries. Pupils know that staff will take decisive action if they go to them with a problem. This helps pupils to feel safe and well supported.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should further strengthen the school’s approach to identifying precisely what pupils, particularly those who need the most support, know and can do, to inform targeted support to address gaps in pupils' foundational knowledge of reading.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
250 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
1,160 pupils on roll, with places for 1,120
Schools near The Costello School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary's College | 0.5 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| The Vyne Community School | 0.9 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 43.0 |
| Cranbourne | 1 mile | Report card: Needs attention to strong standard | Attainment 8: 42.7 |
| The Blue Coat School Basingstoke | 2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 33.1 |
| Everest Community Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 34.2 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- BOHUNT EDUCATION TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Andy Conway
- Phone
- 01256321263
- Address
- Crossborough Hill, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AL
- Local authority
- Hampshire
- URN
- 138287
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.