The King Alfred School an Academy
Burnham Road, Highbridge, TA9 3EEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The King Alfred School an Academy is a secondary school in Highbridge for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 301 schools in Somerset. It ranks 23rd of 27 secondary schools in Somerset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 22 November 2022, report published 18 January 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 22 November 2022
There is a strong sense of community at this school. Pupils feel safe and enjoy positive relationships with staff. This can be seen through the rewards system that is in place. One pupil said, 'It makes my week if I receive a Friday praise phone call.' Students in the sixth form speak highly of their tutors and the support they receive from teachers across the curriculum. Pupils display positive attitudes towards their learning. Low-level disruption is not tolerated. There are strong behaviour systems in place. Pupils understand these and say they are followed consistently by staff. Bullying incidents are rare. If they do occur, pupils have confidence in leaders to resolve them effectively. Pupils celebrate difference and the school is inclusive. For example, the pride club is an important part of school life. There are many opportunities for pupils to participate in extra-curricular activities. Younger pupils can be music superstars or develop their skills as a journalist at the Jill Dando news centre. Students in the sixth form participate in societies, such as debating. There are opportunities for pupils to develop their leadership skills through the prefect system.
What the school should improve
- In some subjects, the core knowledge that pupils need to learn is not broken down into sufficient detail. Therefore, pupils do not always build a secure, consistent knowledge in these subjects as they move through the key stages. Leaders should ensure that the knowledge they want pupils to learn is planned precisely in all subjects.
- Although leaders have introduced a phonics programme for pupils at the early stages of reading, staff delivering the programme have not received appropriate training. As a result, they are not able to support pupils effectively to become fluent readers. Leaders should ensure that staff receive the necessary training to deliver the planned programme well.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
228 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
74 students
Average A level grade C-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,269 pupils on roll, with places for 1,375
Schools near The King Alfred School an Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilton Trinity School | 6 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 42.0 |
| Bridgwater College Academy | 7 miles | Report card: Urgent improvement to needs attention | Attainment 8: 31.9 |
| Brymore Academy | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.0 |
| Broadoak Academy | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 38.7 |
| Haygrove School | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 48.8 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- PATHWAY TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Miss Jessica Lobbett
- Phone
- 01278784881
- Address
- Burnham Road, Highbridge, TA9 3EE
- Local authority
- Somerset
- URN
- 146439
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.