Clevedon School Review 2026: A Comprehensive Secondary with Theatre at Its Heart

In the Swiss Valley area of Clevedon, North Somerset, Clevedon School has built a steadily improving educational community over the past six decades. The school earned its Good rating from Ofsted in April 2024, with personal development notably judged Outstanding. Behind these metrics sits something equally important: a school that invests deeply in drama and performing arts, earning recognition in the 2026 Music and Drama Education Awards for its commitment to musical theatre. With approximately 1,367 students aged 11 to 18, this comprehensive academy offers both breadth and genuine specialisation, particularly through its expanding performing arts facilities. Students here are encouraged to develop leadership skills within a distinctive four-house system, and many go on to universities including Russell Group institutions. For families in North Somerset seeking a non-selective secondary with real character and visible ambition beyond exam results, Clevedon presents a compelling option.

Clevedon School operates under the umbrella of Futura Learning Partnership, having converted to academy status in 2012. The campus itself reflects the school's journey: the original 1962 buildings share space with modern facilities, including a recently opened Learning Village completed in October 2023 that provides 18 fully-equipped classrooms and represents a fresh start following building challenges. The Colin Bennet Science Centre offers contemporary teaching spaces for STEM subjects, while the library Xenia, named after the Greek concept of hospitality, opened in 2022 to serve as an intellectual hub.

The school's core message appears everywhere: "Be Kind. Be Brilliant." Known as The Clevedon Way, this ethos is neither throwaway marketing nor simple sloganeering. Staff and students report genuine commitment to these principles, which translates into visible expectations about behaviour and relationships throughout the school day. The four-house system, established in 2006 with houses named Conygar, Marine, Valley and Walton after local geography, actively builds belonging and healthy competition. Students spend their entire secondary career in the same house, creating vertical tutor groups with peers across year groups. This deliberate structure encourages older students to mentor younger ones and creates multiple leadership opportunities throughout the school. Ofsted inspectors noted that pupils develop "a strong sense of belonging" through this system and were equally impressed by the genuine inclusivity reported by students.

Personal relationships between staff and students matter visibly here. In the most recent inspection, pupils described feeling safe and having strong relationships with staff. The phrase "calm and purposeful learning environment" appeared in the Ofsted report, and that calmness extends beyond lessons into corridors and communal spaces. Students seem genuinely proud of their school; the opposite of cynicism marks the atmosphere.

GCSE Performance

Clevedon School ranks 2136th in England for GCSE performance, placing it in the middle 35% of schools nationally (FindMySchool data). This is solid, in-line performance without the exceptional peaks found at selective or independent alternatives. The Attainment 8 score of 47.1 sits marginally above the England average of 45.9, suggesting students achieve in a range of qualifications rather than concentrating strength in a narrow set. Progress 8 stands at +0.2, meaning students make average progress from their starting points, in line with comparable peers.

With 11% of pupils achieving the English Baccalaureate (English, mathematics, sciences, geography or history, and a language), the school has modestly strengthened its EBacc uptake. Recent news items highlight students progressing to Bristol University Medical School alongside wider university and apprenticeship destinations, suggesting that whilst average as a whole, the school creates meaningful pathways for students with genuine subject passion.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form continues the pattern of solid, steady performance. Clevedon ranks 835th in England for A-level results, sitting in the national typical band (FindMySchool ranking) at the 31st percentile. Approximately 9% of grades reached A*, 19% reached A, and 27% reached B, giving a combined A*-B rate of 54%. This sits marginally above the England average of 47%, indicating that whilst the school is not among the highest-performing sixth forms, it does better than many. Students securing places at Oxbridge, Bristol Medical School, and Russell Group universities in recent years show that the opportunity exists for ambitious learners.

In 2024, six-form leavers achieved 28% A/A* grades, a competitive figure. The school received 55% of its 2023/24 cohort progressing to university, 31% to employment, 4% to apprenticeships, and 4% to further education, reflecting a mixed destination profile typical of a comprehensive sixth form with genuine breadth.

The Clevedon curriculum is described by the school as "traditional and innovative," an accurate characterisation. The focus on reading and oracy as core competencies signals confidence in foundational skills. The school has regained Language College status, indicating that Modern and Classical Languages receive genuine investment. Subject teachers demonstrate strong knowledge; Ofsted noted that staff "inspire learning beyond merely preparing pupils for examinations" and have "deep interest in the subjects they teach."

Teaching follows consistent approaches, with clear structures and high expectations. The school emphasises independent thinking, encouraging students to understand how they learn best rather than simply absorbing content. Differentiation within classrooms appears to be variable in quality; the inspection report suggested that "some pupils with SEND need more precise help," an honest acknowledgement that creating truly tailored support across a comprehensive intake remains challenging.

Enrichment weaves through the school day and beyond it. Students encounter extension seminars, competitions, and project-based learning. The curriculum intent is explicit: every subject area has been revisited to ensure progression and relevance. Reading and literacy development continue into sixth form, avoiding the common pattern where these skills are assumed rather than refined.

Sixth form students access a wide range of A-level subjects. In 2024, students secured places at Oxbridge alongside attendance at Bristol University Medical School, demonstrating that pathways to competitive universities exist for those with strong grades and commitment. The school notes that students progress to "meaningful destinations" and that 82% of recent A-level leavers progressed to higher education or training, with approximately 20% entering Russell Group universities (data from external sources).

For GCSE leavers, approximately 91% continue into sixth form or education elsewhere, reflecting strong progression rates. Local secondary schools receive students who do not continue in-house, and the school explicitly shares destination data during transition events.

Clevedon's performing arts programme has become a genuine calling card. The school was named a finalist in the 2026 Music and Drama Education Awards, recognising its commitment to musical theatre and the impact of productions on students and the wider community. The annual Christmas musical is a whole-school event; in recent years productions have included Little Shop of Horrors, We Will Rock You, and Made in Dagenham. The school won Best Youth Musical in 2023 with its production of We Will Rock You, earning national recognition in regional competitions. Over many years, productions have earned more than 50 nominations in categories including set design, lighting, sound, costume, choreography, and individual performances.

The Clevedon Youth Theatre (CYT) operates as the driving force, with students training regularly and competing at county and regional festivals. Notably, the group has defended its title at the North Somerset Festival of Drama, winning the Eyris Jones Memorial Trophy for Best Youth Group. Specific productions include performances of Chicken! (about road safety) and Butcher, Butcher Burning Bright, both receiving competitive recognition. Beyond formal productions, the Elite Dance Team competes successfully; they won The School's Cup at the North Somerset Festival of Dance in 2019 and continue to perform at county festivals. The Vocal Harmony Group and Post 16 Performing Arts Society add vocal depth to the programme.

Sports facilities are extensive and well-maintained. The Clevedon School Sports Centre operates on-site with a large sports hall, gymnasium, dance studio, two squash courts, a running track, netball and tennis courts, an all-weather pitch, and two large fields. The sports centre hosts external clubs including Swiss Valley Rangers FC (a junior football club) and North Somerset Athletics Club, opening the facilities to community use outside school hours. Within school, students access structured competitive pathways in rugby, netball, football, basketball, and athletics, alongside recreational opportunities.

The library Xenia provides both physical space and resource support. Opened in 2022, it signals investment in independent study and reflection. Students report using the library for both socialising and focused work.

Sixth-form students enjoy particular opportunities: overseas trips have included visits to Washington DC and New York, providing cultural enrichment and university-style experiences. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme operates, with students working towards Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Careers education begins early and is clearly structured, with a dedicated Careers: Aspiring Pathways and Destinations section on the school website indicating conscious post-16 planning.

The school runs a full complement of subject-specific clubs and societies. The media team covers school events; coding and STEM clubs engage those interested in technology. Academic enrichment clubs support competition entry and deeper learning. The breadth suggests that whether a student seeks drama, science, sports, languages, or academic challenge, participation pathways exist.

Clevedon operates as a non-selective academy within North Somerset's admissions system. Applications for Year 7 entry are made through North Somerset Council's coordinated admissions process. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 1.56 applications per place in recent years, reflecting demand from families within and beyond the immediate catchment. Year 7 entry is the primary route; limited mid-year transfers occur when places become available.

Sixth form admissions follow separate criteria. Students from within Clevedon progress automatically if they meet the specified entry requirements (typically GCSE grades); external applicants compete for remaining places. The school welcomes prospective visitors to tour facilities during term time, though specific open days are scheduled for autumn term (typically September–October). Parents should contact the school directly to book tours and seek up-to-date admissions timelines.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for Years 7–11. Sixth-formers follow a slightly different timetable reflecting greater independence and subject scheduling. No wraparound breakfast or after-school care is mentioned on the school's main information pages; parents should contact the school directly to enquire about any provision beyond core hours.

School meals are available through a cashless catering system (ParentPay). Uniform requirements apply to Years 7–11; sixth-formers follow a smart dress code. Transport links are good: the school is accessible by car via the M5 Junction 20, and bus services (including the X10 from Portishead) serve the site. Limited on-site parking is available, though many families use local community parking or drop-off systems. The school is situated in a semi-rural part of North Somerset, meaning walking is practical for nearby residents but less feasible for those living further away.

The house system provides the backbone of pastoral care. Tutors within each house work consistently with small groups of students from mixed year groups, creating genuine relationships and continuity. This model allows older students to support younger ones organically, reducing the anonymity sometimes found in larger schools.

The school operates clear behaviour expectations codified within The Clevedon Way. Ofsted noted that pupils "understand expectations well" and demonstrate them throughout the school day. On the rare occasions when behaviour is disrupted, staff respond quickly and effectively. Students report feeling safe, a statement verified by the latest inspection.

Mental wellbeing is supported through dedicated pages on the school website covering LGBTQ+ support, mental health resources, and young carer provision. The school has safeguarding and wellbeing teams; online safety guidance is also published. The ethos emphasises kindness and belonging rather than competitive pressure, potentially providing a supportive environment for students who struggle in high-pressure settings.

Students with SEND receive support coordinated by the school's SENDCO. However, the Ofsted inspection noted that some pupils with SEND need more precise curriculum adaptation, suggesting that provisions are adequate for general needs but may fall short for complex or severe requirements. Parents with specific SEND queries should engage directly with the school.

Building investment and recent disruption. The school faced significant challenges in 2023 when structural surveys identified safety issues with the main tower building, resulting in 22 classrooms being closed. While the temporary Learning Village opened in October 2023 and has housed lessons successfully, the extended uncertainty and classroom moves represent genuine disruption for students. The school is planning replacement school buildings (approved by North Somerset Council in May 2025), suggesting continued investment but also continued change over the next few years. Families should accept that building works and temporary accommodations may affect school life for the current and next cohorts.

Comprehensive intake with uneven support for SEND. As a non-selective, comprehensive school, Clevedon accepts the full spectrum of student ability and need. The school has managed this inclusivity well, earning Ofsted praise for its welcoming ethos. However, the inspection report noted that students with SEND sometimes require more tailored curriculum support than the school consistently provides. Families with children with identified SEND should carefully discuss provision during tours and admissions conversations; the school is good but not necessarily specialised for complex needs.

Performing arts strength with different balance for STEM. The school has genuinely invested in drama and music, earning national recognition for this provision. However, STEM and science, while solid, do not command the same visible prominence. Students with pure STEM interest may find themselves in a school culture more defined by drama festivals and musicals than robotics competitions or STEM Olympiads.

Transport and location. The school is accessible by car (M5 Junction 20) and bus (X10 from Portishead), but the semi-rural location means families relying on public transport or walking are limited. Families from beyond immediate North Somerset may find the journey time significant, and the lack of public footpaths to the school may reduce the appeal for active commuters.

Clevedon School is a comprehensive secondary delivering solid, consistent results and, importantly, a school with genuine character. It is not among the highest-performing schools in England; students here sit in the middle band for both GCSE and A-level outcomes. However, the school punches above what those raw numbers suggest through its commitment to performing arts, its deliberate house system, and its visible cultural emphasis on kindness and belonging. The personal development rating of Outstanding from Ofsted captures something intangible but real: students develop into rounded young people, not just exam results.

The school is best suited to families within the North Somerset catchment who value breadth over specialisation, who appreciate a genuine community feel, and who have particular interest in the performing arts or who want their child in an environment where drama and music are celebrated alongside academic study. It is also strong for families who worry that highly selective or top-performing schools can feel pressured; Clevedon maintains ambition without the intensity or competitiveness found at more selective alternatives.

The main limiting factors are the ongoing building investment (expect disruption through 2025-26 and beyond), the semi-rural location, and the modest academic standing (solid middle band, not elite). Families seeking the highest exam results or the most prestigious credentials should look at grammar schools or strong independent alternatives. But for those valuing a genuinely inclusive, character-focused education with real investment in the arts and clear pastoral structures, Clevedon offers something distinctive and worthwhile.