Paget High School Review 2026: A Community School with Rural Roots

Situated in Branston on the edge of Burton-on-Trent, Paget High School serves a diverse community where the town meets the countryside. This is not an exam factory; it is a school defined by its unique assets, most notably a fully functioning school farm that sits at the heart of its character. While academic outcomes in national rankings sit in the lower national quartile, the school offers a breadth of experience, from animal care to the performing arts, that league tables often miss.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a mix of 1950s architecture and modern additions, typical of a school that has grown with its community. What is not typical is the sound of livestock that occasionally drifts across the playground. The school farm is not a token gesture but a working facility where students learn responsibility and biology in muddy boots rather than just textbooks.

Mr Lewis Fenn Griffin has led the school since November 2023. Under his leadership, the school emphasises a culture of belonging, captured in the motto "Proud to Belong". The atmosphere is generally calm, though lively at breaks, with a student body that reflects the full social mix of Burton.

The school operates a House system, named after historic figures, which provides the framework for competition and pastoral support. This creates smaller communities within the larger school of over 1,000 students, helping Year 7s navigate the transition from primary school.

In 2024, the school's academic performance reflected the challenges of a mixed-ability intake. The Progress 8 score of -0.19 indicates that students make progress slightly below the national average from their starting points.

At GCSE, the average Attainment 8 score was 39, compared to the England average of roughly 46. Paget High School ranks 3,352nd in England and 6th in Burton-on-Trent for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This places the school in the national lower band, performance that sits in the bottom 40% of schools in England.

However, headline data can mask individual successes. While the percentage of students achieving the English Baccalaureate is low at 3.4%, this often reflects a curriculum choice to prioritise vocational and creative subjects alongside traditional academic routes.

The curriculum is broad, designed to keep options open for students of varying abilities. In Key Stage 3, students cover the full National Curriculum. The teaching style tends to be structured and supportive, with a focus on scaffolding learning for those who need it.

The sciences benefit significantly from the on-site farm. Biology lessons can move from the lab to the paddock, allowing students to study life cycles and anatomy in a practical context. This hands-on approach engages students who might otherwise struggle with purely theoretical content.

In the humanities and arts, the school maintains a commitment to breadth. Drama and music are active departments, with regular productions that allow students to shine outside the exam hall.

The school has a dedicated careers programme that begins early. Destinations are varied, reflecting the mixed ability of the cohort. In 2024, 40% of leavers progressed to university, while 28% entered employment and 9% started apprenticeships.

For the Sixth Form, the focus is often on vocational pathways and BTEC qualifications alongside A-levels. The retention rate from Year 11 is solid, with many students choosing to stay for the familiarity and support the school offers.

Admission to Paget High School is coordinated by Staffordshire County Council. The school is a non-selective community school.

For Year 7 entry, families must apply through the Staffordshire admissions portal. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2025 for entry in September 2026. Offers are released on National Offer Day, 2 March 2026.

The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) that accommodates local demand. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those living within the catchment area and siblings of current students. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is structured around the House system and form tutors. Each student is assigned a form tutor who acts as the first point of contact for parents. The school employs non-teaching pastoral managers who are available throughout the day to deal with issues as they arise, ensuring that teaching staff can focus on lessons.

Safeguarding is taken seriously, with clear reporting lines and regular staff training. The latest Ofsted inspection noted that students feel safe and know who to talk to if they have concerns.

The extracurricular programme is defined by the unique facility of the school farm. The "Young Farmers" club is a major pillar of school life, allowing students to feed animals, maintain enclosures, and understand agricultural management. This is not just a club; for many students, it is a vocation and a sanctuary.

STEM: Practical Application

Beyond the farm, STEM activities focus on practical skills. The school participates in local engineering challenges, leveraging Burton's industrial heritage.

Sport and Arts

Sports teams compete locally in football, netball, and rugby. The facilities include sports fields and a sports hall that are well-used. In the arts, the annual school production involves a significant number of students, from cast members to lighting technicians, fostering a sense of shared endeavour.

Paget High School is a state-funded community school, meaning there are no tuition fees for students in Years 7 to 13. Textbooks and essential equipment are generally provided, though families may be asked to contribute to the cost of residential trips, instrumental music lessons, or specific technology.

Families on lower incomes may be eligible for Free School Meals, which also triggers Pupil Premium funding for the school. This funding is used to support academic progress and remove barriers to learning, such as subsidising school trips or revision materials.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. The site is located on Burton Road in Branston, making it accessible by local bus routes from Burton town centre.

Transport links are good, but traffic on Burton Road can be heavy at peak times. Parents driving for drop-off should allow extra time.

Academic Ranking. Families focused purely on league table position should note that the school ranks in the lower tier nationally for raw academic attainment. This reflects its inclusive intake but is a factor for those seeking high-pressure academic environments.

Vocational Focus. The school excels in vocational and practical education. Students looking for a purely traditional academic diet might find the curriculum breadth here distinct from a grammar school environment.

Mixed Ability Classes. As a comprehensive school, classes in lower years often contain a wide range of abilities. Teachers differentiate work, but parents of highly able children should ask about stretch and challenge provisions.

Paget High School is a genuine community comprehensive that offers something different: an education rooted in the real world. While its exam results do not top the local tables, its farm and vocational breadth provide a nurturing environment for students who learn best by doing. Best suited to families in Branston and Burton who value practical skills, community care, and a rounded education over a pressure-cooker academic atmosphere.