Writhlington School
Knobsbury Lane, Writhlington, Radstock, BA3 3NQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Writhlington School is a secondary school in Radstock for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 90 schools in Bath and North East Somerset. It ranks 12th of 14 secondary schools in Bath and North East Somerset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 27 September 2023, report published 9 November 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 27 September 2023
The school has high expectations for pupils. Pupils understand these. As a result, pupils benefit from a well-rounded education. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive. Staff are vigilant and ambitious for pupils. Pupils feel happy and safe. Students appreciate the community feel of the sixth form. Pupils learn the school values of respect, resilience, ambition, confidence, kindness and success. Pupils of all ages describe a respectful school culture. Bullying is unusual and the school is prompt to respond to acts of unkindness. Through pupil leadership groups, such as the school council and the sixth-form council, pupils and students share their views on improving the school. Pupils enjoy the wide range of enrichment activities and clubs on offer. As many pupils travel a long distance to school, the school plans clubs considerately and makes adaptation to ensure there are opportunities for all pupils. From film club to sports clubs, many pupils participate. Pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 run the school orchid project. Pupils travel overseas, exhibit and look after a significant collection of orchids. The combined cadet force has increasing numbers of older pupils participating in training, learning first aid and camping. A music bursary supports pupils to learn a variety of musical instruments.
What the school should improve
- The school does not carefully check how well all pupils recall their learning. As a result, they do not know what some pupils remember. The school needs to ensure all teachers are equipped to check pupils' learning effectively so new learning can build securely on what pupils know.
- A minority of subject curriculums are in the early stages of being implemented. Staff knowledge of the curriculum is not fully developed in these areas. The trust and the school need to make sure staff are supported to implement and improve these areas of the curriculum.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
131 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
75 students
Average A level grade C-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
894 pupils on roll, with places for 1,547
Schools near Writhlington School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset Studio School | 0.1 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 30.5 |
| Norton Hill Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | Attainment 8: 50.2 |
| Somervale Secondary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 45.0 |
| Downside School | 4 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 32.7 |
| Saint Gregory's Catholic College | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.6 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- MIDSOMER NORTON SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Duncan Powell
- Phone
- 01761433581
- Address
- Knobsbury Lane, Writhlington, Radstock, BA3 3NQ
- Local authority
- Bath and North East Somerset
- URN
- 137548
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.