Longcroft School and Sixth Form College Review 2026: Modern Campus in Historic Beverley

Sitting on the northern edge of historic Beverley, Longcroft School and Sixth Form College presents a thoroughly modern face to the world following a significant recent rebuild. This state secondary school serves around 1,500 students from the town and surrounding East Riding villages. While the setting in the Westwood pastures is timeless, the school has undergone substantial change, consolidating onto a single site with purpose-built facilities. It holds a Good rating from Ofsted, reflecting its status as a stable choice for local families.

The atmosphere at Longcroft is defined by its recent physical transformation. The move to a consolidated single site has replaced the sprawling, older layout with a more cohesive campus environment. Students benefit from modern classrooms and social spaces designed to improve flow and supervision.

Mr David Perry, the Headteacher, leads the school with a focus on raising aspirations and maintaining high standards of behaviour. The school is part of the Wonder Learning Partnership, a trust that includes other local primary and secondary schools, fostering a sense of regional collaboration.

The school's ethos centres on the "Longcroft Standard," a set of expectations regarding conduct, uniform, and effort. Hallways are generally calm, and there is a clear emphasis on creating a purposeful learning environment. The pastoral structure is organised by year group, providing a smaller community feel within the larger student body.

Academic performance at Longcroft sits broadly in line with national norms at GCSE, though Sixth Form outcomes face some challenges.

In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 44.9, just below the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.22 suggests that, on average, students make slightly less progress from their primary school starting points than their peers across England.

The school ranks 2,331st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance places Longcroft in the top 51% of schools in England, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band).

In the Sixth Form, results are more mixed. The percentage of students achieving grades A*-B was 35.2% in 2024, compared to the England average of 47.2%. Ranked 1,916th in England for A-level outcomes, the college sits in the national lower band.

The curriculum is broad and follows the National Curriculum framework. In Key Stage 3, students cover a wide range of subjects including drama, music, and art, which are longstanding strengths of the school.

At GCSE, the core subjects are supplemented by a variety of options. The percentage of pupils entering the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is around 40%, which aligns with the England average. Teaching is structured, and the new facilities allow for better integration of technology in lessons. Science laboratories and technology workshops are modern and well-equipped.

Destinations data for 2024 leavers shows that 52% of Year 13 students progressed to university. Employment is a significant pathway for Longcroft students, with 24% entering the workforce directly, a figure notably higher than in many similar schools. 5% of students secured apprenticeships.

While the school does not publish a detailed breakdown of Russell Group entries, the Sixth Form team provides support for UCAS applications and alternative pathways.

Admission to Longcroft School is coordinated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The school is currently oversubscribed, a testament to its popularity in the local area.

In the most recent intake, there were 279 applications for places, resulting in a subscription ratio of approximately 2.2 applications per place. Families living in the catchment area typically secure places, but those outside the immediate zone should be aware of the competitive nature of entry.

The deadline for secondary school applications is 31 October for entry the following September. Late applications are considered only after on-time applications have been processed.

Pastoral care is organised through a year-group structure, supported by the pastoral team which comes into its own for competitions and charity events. Form tutors are the first point of contact for parents and students.

The school has a dedicated student support team to handle wellbeing concerns. Transition from primary school is managed carefully, with induction days and visits to ensure new Year 7s settle quickly into the larger secondary environment.

Longcroft has a traditional strength in the performing arts. The school theatre is a hub of activity, hosting regular productions, concerts, and community events. Drama and music are not just subjects here; they are pillars of the school's extracurricular life.

Sport is also well-catered for, with the new build enhancing the sports facilities. Teams compete locally in football, rugby, netball, and hockey. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with many students completing Bronze and Silver awards, taking advantage of the nearby Yorkshire Wolds for expeditions.

The school day begins at 8:45am and finishes at 3:15pm. Longcroft is situated on Burton Road in Beverley. A large number of students travel by bus from surrounding villages; the school is well-served by council-organised school transport routes. Parents should check eligibility for bus passes with the East Riding Council.

A-level performance. While GCSE results are solid, Sixth Form outcomes trail the England average. Families considering the Sixth Form for highly competitive university courses should look closely at the specific subject results relevant to their child.

Progress measures. The negative Progress 8 score indicates that some students do not achieve the grades predicted by their primary school data. Parents of high-ability children may want to ask about specific stretch and challenge provisions.

Oversubscription. With more than two applications for every place, securing a spot is not guaranteed for those outside the catchment. Families should have a realistic backup option.

Longcroft offers a modern, purposeful education in excellent new facilities. It serves its community well, acting as a supportive and stable environment for local children. While A-level results leave room for improvement, the school provides a well-rounded experience with particular strengths in the arts and employability. Best suited to local families seeking a modern comprehensive education with strong community ties.