Robert Blake School Review 2026: A Community School in Transition

Serving the Hamp area of Bridgwater, Robert Blake School is a co-educational state secondary for students aged 11 to 16. Named after the famed 17th century military commander and Bridgwater native, the school occupies a modern site with a capacity for 990 students. Currently led by Headteacher Deb Loveridge, who has been in post since 2016, the school has recently moved towards academy status.

The school is currently in a phase of significant change, having been issued an Academy Order to join a multi-academy trust following recent Ofsted evaluations. While the school was rated Requires Improvement in 2023, a monitoring visit in October 2024 confirmed that leaders are taking effective action to address the areas for improvement. This period marks a major strategic shift aimed at raising academic standards to match the school's strong sense of community and excellent facilities.

The school atmosphere is one of visible purpose. The physical environment is modern, featuring a building completed in 2012 that offers spacious classrooms and specialist labs. Students generally describe a school where they feel safe and where diversity is celebrated. Recent efforts have been made to strengthen the sense of identity through a house system named after local Somerset landmarks: Quantock, Mendip, Blackdown, and Polden.

Leadership has been candid about the challenges faced, particularly regarding consistency in the quality of education. Under Deb Loveridge, there is a push to move the culture towards a more aspirational footing. The school's motto, Aspire Achieve Celebrate, is central to its daily life, and the focus on "Personal Development" was rated Good by inspectors, reflecting a genuine commitment to producing respectful and positive members of society.

Performance metrics at Robert Blake School reflect the challenges currently being addressed. In the most recent validated results, the Attainment 8 score stood at 38.6, which is below the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.53 suggests that students typically make less progress between Year 7 and Year 11 than their peers in other schools with similar starting points.

Ranked 2,957th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the national lower band. Locally, it ranks 3rd among secondary schools in Bridgwater. While these figures indicate a need for improvement, they also provide the benchmark against which the new academy improvement plan is being measured. Approximately 33% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in English and mathematics.

The curriculum is currently being refined to ensure greater depth and rigour across all subjects. In the EBacc subjects, 12% of students achieved a grade 5 or above, which is below the national average. This has prompted a strategic review of curriculum delivery to ensure that students are challenged appropriately.

Teaching is increasingly focused on clear explanations and ensuring that students are ready for their next steps. While some variations in quality remain, recent monitoring confirms that the school is identifying and tackling these inconsistencies. The specialist Science College status remains a point of pride, with modern labs providing a strong foundation for technical learning.

Robert Blake School is popular within its immediate catchment and is currently oversubscribed. In the 2024 cycle, the school received more applications than available places, with a subscription proportion of 1.26. This indicates that entry is competitive for families living on the edge of the local area.

Admissions are coordinated by Somerset Council. For Year 7 entry in September 2026, applications usually open on 1 September and must be submitted by 31 October 2025. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded school with no tuition fees. There are no costs for standard curriculum delivery. Families may occasionally be asked to contribute towards voluntary costs such as school trips, certain extracurricular materials, or music lessons. Uniform and PE kits are required, and the school provides support for families eligible for Free School Meals to ensure all students can access the full school life.

Pastoral care is a significant pillar of the school's identity. The school employs a dedicated team to manage student wellbeing, and Ofsted recently rated "Behaviour and Attitudes" as Good. Students report that while bullying can occur, staff deal with it effectively when it is raised.

The school has overhauled its approach to discipline, focusing on respectful and positive contributions. This allows for a more immediate response to social or emotional issues. The environment provides every opportunity for students to learn in a setting where they are valued as individuals.

The extracurricular programme is designed to offer breadth beyond the traditional academic day. The school makes excellent use of its sports facilities, with active clubs in various disciplines. "Personal Development" is a strength here, with a range of opportunities for students to build character and leadership skills.

STEM Excellence

STEM activities are a notable feature of the enrichment programme, reflecting the school's historical Science College status. The school engages with local industry partners to provide students with insights into engineering and technical careers. Coding clubs and science challenges are held regularly, aiming to inspire students in the Bridgwater area to pursue high-tech futures.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm. The school is accessible via local bus routes serving the Hamp area and Bridgwater town centre. Parents can access the Citizen Portal through the Somerset Council website to manage applications and view offer outcomes on 2 March 2026 for the upcoming secondary transfer.

• Improvement journey: The school is currently rated Requires Improvement but is making effective progress according to the 2024 monitoring visit. Families are choosing a school that is under intensive improvement.
• Academic outcomes: Results currently sit below England averages. The focus is currently on narrowing this gap through the transition to academy status.
• Oversubscribed status: The school remains a popular local choice. Living in the immediate Hamp area is usually necessary to secure a place during the main Year 7 intake.

Robert Blake School is a community institution in the midst of a strategic upgrade. The move towards academy status and the positive findings of recent monitoring visits suggest a school on the up. It suits local families who value a modern campus and a strong pastoral heart, and who are willing to support the school through its current trajectory. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.