Hazelwick School Review 2026: The Pride of Crawley

"Effort Achieves" runs the school motto, a phrase that permeates every corridor of this large, bustling comprehensive in Three Bridges. Perhaps best known nationally as the training ground for Gareth Southgate, Hazelwick manages to be much more than a sports factory. It is the academic heavyweight of the local area, combining high expectations with a comprehensive ethos that welcomes students of all abilities. With nearly 1,900 students, this is a big school with a big personality.

The campus is extensive, sitting comfortably near Three Bridges station. While the architecture reflects its 1950s origins, the atmosphere inside is modern and purposeful. Mr David Leadbitter took the helm as Headteacher in September 2025, succeeding the long-serving Ann Fearon. His appointment marks a new chapter for the school, though the core ethos remains steadfast.

Hazelwick operates as an academy and has long held a reputation as the most sought-after secondary in Crawley. The size allows for impressive facilities, particularly in science and technology, but the school works hard to ensure individuals are not lost in the crowd. The "Effort Achieves" maxim is not just branding; it appears in lessons, assemblies, and feedback, reinforcing the idea that hard work trumps innate talent.

Academically, Hazelwick leads the pack locally. The school ranks 1,434th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among secondary schools in Crawley, placing it in the top tier locally.

In 2024, the Progress 8 score of +0.3 indicated that students made above-average progress from their starting points. Nearly 20% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate, reflecting a curriculum that remains ambitious for the majority.

At A-level, performance shifts slightly. The school ranks 1,602nd in England and 3rd in Crawley. In 2024, 45% of grades were A*-B. While this sits in the national lower band for England (bottom 40%), it remains a solid performance for a comprehensive sixth form that maintains inclusive entry criteria.

The curriculum is broad and avoids the trend of narrowing subject choices too early. Students follow a three-year Key Stage 3, allowing them to explore subjects like drama and music in depth before selecting options. Science and mathematics are particular strengths, supported by specialist teaching blocks.

Teaching is structured and consistent. The October 2023 Ofsted inspection, which rated the school Outstanding, highlighted the strength of subject knowledge across the staff body. Teachers expect students to engage, and low-level disruption is rare.

The sixth form is a major pathway, with the majority of Year 11s staying on. Destinations data highlights a culture of aspiration that defies the comprehensive label. In 2024, 57% of leavers progressed to university.

Notably, the school has a credible Oxbridge pipeline. In the most recent cycle, 9 students applied to Oxford or Cambridge, with 4 securing offers and all 4 accepting places. This places Hazelwick well ahead of many similar state schools. For a non-selective school to consistently send students to elite institutions speaks to a rigorous support system for the most able.

Entry to Year 7 is fiercely competitive. Hazelwick is consistently oversubscribed, and in the last intake, the school received 1,090 applications for just 306 places. This ratio of over 3.5 applications per place makes it one of the most popular schools in West Sussex.

Admissions are managed by West Sussex County Council. After looked-after children and siblings, places are allocated based on distance from the school. While the exact catchment shrinks and expands annually, families typically need to live within the designated catchment area to stand a realistic chance. The last distance offered is not published as a fixed number, but local families know that proximity is key.

With nearly 2,000 students, pastoral care relies on a structured year-group system. Form tutors are the first point of contact, staying with their group as they move up the school.

The school is large enough to employ non-teaching pastoral managers, meaning support is available throughout the day when teachers are in class. Safeguarding is robust, and the school has invested in mental health support to address the rising anxiety levels seen nationally since the pandemic.

The extracurricular list is extensive, as one would expect from a school of this size. Sport is a defining pillar. The legacy of alumni like Gareth Southgate and Dan Walker is felt in the high participation rates in football, rugby, and netball. The school fields teams in local and county competitions, and the PE department is active and well-resourced with a floodlit 2G pitch and large sports hall.

Music and drama are equally visible. The annual school production involves over 100 students, from cast to lighting crew, performing to packed audiences in the specialist drama studios. Departmental clubs range from STEM challenges to debating societies, ensuring that lunchtimes offer more than just the canteen.

The school is located in Three Bridges, a short walk from the mainline railway station, making it accessible for sixth formers traveling from slightly further afield. The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Parents should note that traffic around Hazelwick School Close can be heavy at drop-off times; walking or public transport is strongly encouraged.

Size matters. This is a large, busy environment. Students who thrive on energy and variety will love it; those who need a quiet, small-scale nurturing environment might find the sheer scale initially overwhelming.

Oversubscription. With 3.5 applications for every place, entry is far from guaranteed. Families moving to the area specifically for this school should verify their proximity carefully with the local authority.

Sixth form contrast. While GCSE results are top of the table locally, A-level performance is more typical of the national average. High-flyers are well catered for (evidenced by Oxbridge success), but the middle cohort performs in line with expectations rather than exceeding them significantly.

Hazelwick is the comprehensive ideal in action: a school that serves its local community while producing results that challenge the private sector. It is big, busy, and successful. Best suited to students who are ready to get stuck in, join the teams, and embrace the "Effort Achieves" culture. The main challenge is getting a place in Year 7.