XP School

  • Secondary
  • Free school
  • Ages 11 to 19
Ofsted: Good

Middle Bank, Doncaster, DN4 5NGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

XP School is a secondary school in Doncaster for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 136 schools in Doncaster. It ranks 18th of 21 secondary schools in Doncaster. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in June 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 6 June 2023, report published 14 September 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that is, in the main, delivered through 'expeditions'. When pupils study an expedition, they learn important knowledge from different subjects and apply their learning to a specific topic. This supports pupils to connect their learning and think deeper about key concepts. Due to gaps in older pupils' knowledge, leaders have reviewed and refined the curriculum to improve the quality of education and ensure pupils are better prepared for their next steps in education, employment and training. Pupils welcome the extensive range of opportunities to extend their experiences. This includes working with experts as part of expeditions or participating in planned activities beyond the classroom, which are referred to as 'fieldwork'.' Leaders ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to take part, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are a real strength of the school. Pupils demonstrate exceptionally high levels of self-control and maturity. The small number of pupils who need additional help to manage their behaviour are expertly supported by adults. Pupils feel safe at XP school. There is always a trusted adult to go to. Staff do not tolerate bullying and discriminatory language.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders have made recent refinements to the school's curriculum. These changes were made because some pupils had gaps in their knowledge. Some of these gaps have been exacerbated by the disruption to learning caused by the pandemic and issues with staffing. As a result, some older pupils have not made as much progress as they could by the end of key stage 4, including in national assessments. This impacts the extent to which they are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment and training. Leaders should continue to implement their plans to address these gaps, such as by introducing subject- specific learning in subjects, such as mathematics and science, to ensure pupils make better progress by the end of Year 11.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

50 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score39.8

39.8, 6.3 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths28%

28%, 17.4 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths48%

48%, 16.8 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc40%

40%, 0.5 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.53

3.53, 0.56 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

246 pupils on roll, with places for 250

Eligible for free school meals35.4%

35.4%, 8.9 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language13%

13%, 8.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support28.9%

28.9%, 14.1 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.9%

4.9%, 1.1 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near XP School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
XP East0.1 milesOfsted: Requires improvementAttainment 8: 36.9
Doncaster UTC0.7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 48.6
Hall Cross Academy0.8 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 47.8
Astrea Academy Woodfields1 mileOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 36.8
Outwood Academy Danum2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 42.8

School details

School type
Free schools
Sector
Free school
Trust
XP SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Claira Salter
Address
Middle Bank, Doncaster, DN4 5NG
Local authority
Doncaster
URN
140964

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.