Ivanhoe School Review 2026: A Supportive Community with a Journey to Excellence

In a historic pocket of Leicestershire where the ruins of Ashby de la Zouch Castle overlook the town, Ivanhoe School serves as a central pillar for local families. This mixed secondary school, catering to approximately 800 students aged 11 to 16, has successfully navigated a significant transition from a middle school to a full secondary provider. The school's 2024 GCSE results place it in a solid position, reflecting a performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.

Jen Steere has led the school as Headteacher since 2020, guiding it through its expansion to age 16. The latest Ofsted inspection in April 2025 confirmed that the school continues to be Good, with inspectors specifically highlighting the warm relationships and the inclusive culture where every student is made to feel welcome. While academic performance sits within the national typical range, the school is noted for its strong pastoral foundations and a clear commitment to student safety and wellbeing.

The atmosphere at Ivanhoe School is defined by a sense of calm purpose. Located on North Street, the school blends its mid century origins (established in 1954) with modern facilities that reflect its growing secondary status. The physical environment is well ordered; the school motto, "With the right attitude, attending every day, you will achieve," is visible in its ethos of perseverance and high expectations.

The school is part of the LiFE Multi Academy Trust, which provides a framework of support for curriculum development and staff training. This partnership has been instrumental in the school's recent growth. Leadership is described by inspectors as reflective and continually refining aspects of the school's work to ensure a high quality education for all.

A notable feature of Ivanhoe is its house system, which fosters a sense of belonging and friendly competition. Students are assigned to houses that provide a smaller community within the larger school, ensuring that staff know every individual well. This structure is particularly effective in supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged students, who inspectors noted thrive alongside their peers.

As a school that completed its transition to 11 to 16 status in September 2022, Ivanhoe is establishing a consistent benchmark for its Key Stage 4 outcomes. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 40.6. This performance places Ivanhoe in the national typical band, representing a solid output in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (54th percentile).

The school ranks 2484th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 2nd among secondary schools in Ashby de la Zouch. The Progress 8 score of -0.39 indicates that while students achieve stable grades, there is a focused effort from leadership to further accelerate progress from student starting points. In the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 16.7% of students achieved a grade 5 or above, reflecting a commitment to a broad academic core for a portion of the cohort.

The curriculum at Ivanhoe is ambitious and well structured. In Key Stage 3, students follow a broad foundation that prepares them for the rigours of GCSE study. Teachers possess good subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly, often using retrieval practice to help students remember their learning over time.

During the 2025 graded inspection, inspectors observed that teachers stretch student thinking effectively. Deep dives into subjects such as Science, English, Modern Foreign Languages, Art, and Geography revealed a curriculum that is carefully planned. While the school continues to refine how teachers check student learning to ensure no misconceptions remain, the overall quality of education is secure and effective.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a priority. The school uses a range of strategies to ensure these students access the full curriculum, and inspectors noted that disadvantaged students are particularly well cared for.

Extracurricular life at Ivanhoe is designed to build character and resilience. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities that cater to diverse interests, from academic enrichment to creative expression.

STEM: Innovation and Practicality

The school maintains its historical strength as a former technology college through a robust STEM programme. Students engage in practical projects in well equipped workshops and laboratories. Specific clubs, such as the Robotics and Coding societies, allow students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to real world challenges.

Sport is another major pillar of the school. Students participate in a range of team sports, including football, netball, and rugby, utilizing the school's gym and outdoor pitches. The creative arts are equally celebrated, with regular music initiatives and art exhibitions that showcase the students' creative talents.

Admissions to Ivanhoe School are coordinated by Leicestershire County Council. The school is consistently popular and frequently oversubscribed. For the most recent intake, the school received 430 applications for 154 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.79 applications for every available place.

The national closing date for secondary school applications is 31 October. Offers are released on National Offer Day, which is 1 March. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical trends. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is widely regarded as a standout feature of the school. A dedicated team of safeguarding staff, led by the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs V. Sharpe, ensures that student safety is at the forefront of every decision. Inspectors found that an open and positive culture around safeguarding exists, and students feel confident in seeking help when needed.

The school's "Ivanhoe Way" policy has been credited with improving behaviour across the site. Routine and clear expectations help students manage their own conduct, leading to a calm and respectful learning environment. Bullying is rare and is dealt with swiftly and effectively when it does occur.

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical milestone. Students are very well informed about their post 16 options, receiving excellent support to secure ambitious destinations.

The majority of students progress to local sixth forms, such as Ashby School, which is also part of the LiFE Multi Academy Trust. Others move on to local FE colleges to pursue vocational qualifications or apprenticeships. The school's careers programme is comprehensive, ensuring that students have a clear understanding of the pathways available to them in the wider East Midlands region.

The school day at Ivanhoe begins at 8:30am and concludes at 3:10pm. The school operates on a two week timetable. While the school does not have a formal breakfast club, the canteen is open before school for students to gather.

Transport is primarily through local bus routes or walking for those within Ashby de la Zouch. The school's Charging and Remissions policy notes that while education is free, voluntary contributions may be requested for certain educational visits and visiting workshops to ensure these activities can proceed.

• Oversubscription: With nearly three applications for every available place, entry is fiercely competitive. Families living outside the immediate area should consider their secondary options carefully.
• 11 to 16 Structure: Students must transition to a new provider at 16. While the link with Ashby School is strong, parents should be aware that a change of environment after Year 11 is mandatory.
• Refining Assessment: The latest inspection suggested that the school is still working to ensure that teachers consistently check for student misconceptions across all subjects, though the general standard remains high.

Ivanhoe School is a nurturing and ambitious academy that provides a solid educational foundation in a supportive environment. It is a school that has managed its growth to age 16 with care, maintaining a focus on the wellbeing of every child. Best suited to local families seeking a school with a strong community feel and reliable academic outcomes. For families who secure a place, the educational experience is grounded and well rounded.