Cirencester Kingshill School Review 2026: A School Transformed

Cirencester Kingshill School has turned a corner. Following a period of rebuilding under Headteacher Mrs Jo Lindley, the school secured a 'Good' rating from Ofsted in May 2025, validating the rigorous changes implemented since 2023. Serving the historic market town and its surrounding villages, this 11-16 comprehensive offers a grounded, community-focused education. It avoids the sheer scale of larger Gloucestershire secondaries, maintaining a campus feel where staff know students well, though families must accept that education here ends at 16.

The site tells the story of the school's evolution. The original 1970s buildings have been augmented by modern blocks, including a dedicated sports hall and performing arts studio. It feels functional rather than grand, but the location—backing onto open fields—provides a sense of space that benefits students during breaks.

The atmosphere is purposeful and noticeably stricter than in previous years. The "Kingshill Way" is the shorthand for the conduct expected of students, from uniform standards to corridor movement. This behavioural reset, initiated in 2023, has taken root; the corridors are calm, and the "Excellent Entry" routine—where students line up and enter classrooms in silence to start "Do Now" tasks—is now standard practice.

The student body is drawn largely from Cirencester and the surrounding villages. It is a true comprehensive intake, reflecting the diverse mix of the Cotswolds, from affluent rural families to those from the town's estates. This mix creates a grounded, realistic social environment.

With the school's culture reset, academic outcomes remain solid. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.3, exceeding the England average of 45.9. This indicates that across eight key subjects, students at Kingshill achieve higher grades than the national norm.

The Progress 8 score of +0.08 further contextualises this achievement. It shows that students make slightly above-average progress from their primary school starting points. In a landscape where many schools struggle to break even on progress measures, this positive score reflects effective teaching in core subjects.

Ranked 1,877th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd in the Cotswold area, the school’s performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). This places it firmly in the "national typical" band.

The "Active Minds" pedagogical approach is central to the classroom experience. This strategy focuses on cognitive engagement, requiring students to think hard and participate actively rather than passively receiving information. Teachers use consistent routines to check understanding, ensuring that no student can coast through a lesson unnoticed.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. At Key Stage 3, students follow a programme that includes drama, music, and design technology alongside core subjects. The school has resisted the trend to shorten Key Stage 3; students select their GCSE options in Year 9 to start in Year 10, ensuring a solid grounding before specialising.

SEND support is described as integrated into lessons, with teaching assistants working effectively alongside subject teachers. The "Hub" provides a sanctuary for vulnerable students, offering a space for those who find the main school environment overwhelming.

As an 11-16 school, Kingshill says goodbye to its students after GCSEs. This creates a definitive "graduation" moment that the school celebrates vigorously.

The primary destination for leavers is Cirencester College, a specialist sixth form college located just next door. The relationship between the school and the college is close, with transition activities ensuring a smooth handover. The college offers a vast range of A-levels, T-levels, and vocational courses, meaning Kingshill students have access to broader post-16 options than most school sixth forms could provide.

A smaller number of students progress to other local providers, including Cirencester Deer Park’s collaborative sixth form or colleges in Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Kingshill is a popular choice in the area. Admissions are handled by Gloucestershire County Council, and the school is frequently oversubscribed.

In the most recent intake, the school received 270 applications for its Year 7 places, resulting in 174 offers. This level of demand means that the school is often full, and late applicants may find themselves on a waiting list.

The subscription status is officially "Oversubscribed", with a ratio of approximately 1.55 applications per place. Catchment areas play a significant role. The school prioritises children living in its designated area, followed by siblings. With a last distance offered often fluctuating, families living outside Cirencester itself should check their likelihood of entry carefully.

Pastoral care is delivered through a tutor system, with students remaining in the same tutor group for their five years at the school. This continuity allows form tutors to build genuine relationships with families.

Following the behavioural reset, the pastoral team now includes "Unlocking Potential Pastoral Assistants" who focus specifically on barriers to learning such as attendance and anxiety. The "Hub" is a key asset here, preventing students with social or emotional needs from slipping through the net.

Education at Kingshill extends well beyond the exam hall. The school runs a comprehensive extracurricular programme that capitalises on its facilities and location.

Sport is a major pillar. The sports hall and all-weather pitches are in constant use. The school fields competitive teams in rugby, football, netball, and hockey. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a thriving ecosystem here; large numbers of students complete their Bronze award in Year 10, and the school supports progression to Silver.

The creative arts also feature prominently. The "School of Panto" club and annual productions involve dozens of students, not just on stage but in lighting, sound, and set design.

The school day runs from 8:45 am to 3:10 pm. The structure includes five one-hour lessons, a morning break, and a lunch period.

Transport is a key consideration for many families. School buses serve the surrounding villages, including South Cerney, Siddington, and Kemble. The network is organised by the county council, and parents should apply for passes well in advance.

Uniform is strictly enforced as part of the drive for higher standards. It consists of a navy blue blazer with the school badge, a house tie, and grey trousers or skirt.

No Sixth Form. Students must move institutions at 16. While Cirencester College is excellent and nearby, some students prefer the continuity of an 11-18 school where they can stay in a familiar environment for A-levels.

Strict Behavioural Policy. The "Kingshill Way" is not a suggestion. The school has tightened its expectations significantly since 2023. Families should be aware that minor infractions regarding uniform or equipment are challenged immediately, which suits those who value structure but may chafe against those preferring a more relaxed approach.

Transport reliance. A significant portion of the intake relies on county transport. This can limit participation in after-school clubs for some students if late buses are not available or convenient.

Cirencester Kingshill School has successfully navigated its turnaround, cementing itself as a strong, "Good" rated option for local families. It offers a structured, disciplined environment where academic expectations are high. Best suited to students who thrive in a clear framework and are happy to transition to a college environment at 16. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular school.