Oriel High School

Built by the community, for the community. That phrase captures Oriel High School's origin story in the Maidenbower neighbourhood of Crawley, where parents campaigned successfully for a secondary school to serve their newly developed district rather than sending their children across town. Twenty years since opening its doors in September 2004, Oriel has grown from a modest intake of 370 students into a 1,478-strong comprehensive with a popular sixth form. The March 2025 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good across all categories, praising its strong culture for learning and broad curriculum. With 2.74 applications for every Year 7 place, demand remains high for this non-selective state school where academic ambition sits alongside vocational pathways.

Empowered to Achieve, Inspired to Excel serves as the school motto, and staff work to make these words tangible through high expectations and genuine pastoral support. Students refer to themselves as part of the "purple army," a nickname that captures the sense of collective identity running through the school. The pride is visible in how students conduct themselves around the modern buildings and spacious grounds.

Philip Stack has led the school since 2009, arriving just five years after its founding. His tenure has seen Oriel grow from a new school still establishing its reputation into one of the most sought-after comprehensives in the Crawley area. Under his leadership, the school has maintained its community focus while expanding its curriculum offer and sixth form provision.

The site itself reflects thoughtful planning. Constructed specifically as a secondary school rather than adapted from older buildings, the facilities include full wheelchair access and lifts to all areas, making it one of the most accessible schools in the district. The Maidenbower location places it within a residential neighbourhood built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with good transport links including pedestrian access from Furnace Green via a railway underpass that forms part of National Cycle Route 20.

The culture emphasises both academic achievement and broader development. Teachers set high expectations, and the school maintains a good balance between rigorous classroom work and opportunities beyond the timetable. Relationships between staff and students appear strong, contributing to a settled atmosphere where learning can take place without disruption.

GCSE Results

At GCSE, Oriel achieves solid results that sit within the middle band of schools in England. The average Attainment 8 score of 48.6 places the school above the England average of 45.9, indicating that students here leave Year 11 with slightly better grades than typical nationally. The Progress 8 score of +0.1 shows students make marginally above-average progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points, suggesting the school adds value across its intake range.

Oriel ranks 2,018th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, the picture is more competitive. The school ranks 2nd among secondary schools in Crawley, behind only the high-performing Hazelwick School.

The EBacc entry rate of 8.9% achieving grades 5 or above in all EBacc subjects reflects the school's broad curriculum approach, which balances academic rigour with vocational options. The average EBacc points score of 4.16 sits above the England average of 4.08. These figures indicate that while Oriel offers the full academic curriculum, it does not push all students down a purely traditional route, instead matching pathways to individual strengths and aspirations.

A-Level Results

The sixth form produces results that sit within the middle range for England. At A-level, 5.3% of grades were at A*, with 12.6% at A, giving a combined A*-A rate of 17.9%. This sits below the England average of 23.6% at A*-A. When extended to include B grades, 43.1% of entries achieved A*-B, again below the England average of 47.2%.

Oriel ranks 1,476th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the 25th to 60th percentile band, similar to its GCSE performance. Locally, the sixth form ranks 2nd in Crawley for A-level results. The combined GCSE and A-level ranking of 1,379th in England provides a composite picture of overall academic performance across both key stages.

These results should be understood in context. Oriel operates an open access sixth form that welcomes students from a range of prior attainment levels. The school offers over 40 post-16 courses spanning A-levels, BTECs, and applied qualifications. This breadth of provision means comparing raw grades with highly selective sixth forms misses the point. The school serves students pursuing Russell Group universities alongside those heading into apprenticeships or direct employment.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, spanning academic and vocational pathways. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities, Arts, and Technology. At Key Stage 4 and in the sixth form, students can choose from traditional academic routes or vocational alternatives, allowing progression pathways tailored to individual aptitudes.

The March 2025 Ofsted inspection noted the school has a strong culture for learning and offers a broad curriculum. Inspectors highlighted that the school places high value on learning in academic subjects while also providing a wide vocational offer. This dual approach ensures students across the ability range find appropriate challenge and pathways to success.

Teaching follows structured approaches with clear expectations. Staff have strong subject knowledge, and lessons are planned to build understanding progressively. The student-teacher ratio of 15.5:1 allows for reasonable class sizes, and specialist facilities support practical subjects effectively.

The sixth form curriculum extends to over 40 courses at advanced level, including Extended Project Qualification and specialist streams in areas such as Design Engineering and Medical Science. This range means students can pursue traditional A-level combinations for competitive university courses or blend academic and vocational qualifications for employment-focused routes. GCSE retakes are available for students needing to strengthen their English or Mathematics grades.

Destination data from the 2023/24 leavers cohort shows diverse progression routes reflecting the school's comprehensive intake. Of the 112 students completing sixth form studies, 39% progressed to university, 13% started apprenticeships, 33% moved into employment, and 3% continued in further education.

These figures indicate a school where university is one pathway among several, rather than the assumed destination for everyone. The 39% university rate means roughly 44 students from the cohort entered higher education, while the strong apprenticeship take-up (13%) suggests effective careers guidance that presents alternatives positively rather than as fallback options.

External data suggests that among those progressing to higher education, around 10% secure places at Russell Group universities. While the school does not publish detailed university destination lists, students have historically progressed to a range of institutions across the country.

The 33% employment rate at 18 reflects both the vocational emphasis of some courses and the practical careers support available. For many students, particularly those completing BTEC qualifications alongside or instead of A-levels, direct employment in their chosen field represents a successful outcome rather than a compromise.

For parents wanting to compare local options, the FindMySchool Local Hub page allows side-by-side comparison of these destination figures with other Crawley sixth forms using the Comparison Tool.

Oriel High School operates as a community school with non-selective admissions coordinated through West Sussex County Council. There is no entrance examination, and places are allocated according to standard oversubscription criteria when the school receives more applications than available spaces.

Year 7 Entry

The school is significantly oversubscribed for Year 7 places. In the most recent admissions round, 634 applications were received for 231 places, giving a subscription ratio of 2.74 applications per place. This makes Oriel one of the most popular secondary schools in the Crawley area.

Applications for September 2026 entry closed on 31 October 2025 for the standard round. Late applications received between 1 November and 28 November 2025 were processed after on-time applications. Applications received after 28 November 2025 are considered late and outside the normal round, processed only after National Offer Day.

National Offer Day for secondary places is 2 March 2026, when families who applied online receive notification of outcomes throughout the day.

When oversubscribed, places are allocated according to West Sussex County Council's standard criteria, which typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings of current pupils, and then distance from home to school. Parents should check the specific admissions arrangements document for the current year, as criteria can change. Parents considering this school should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates and assess realistic chances of securing a place based on historical distances offered.

Sixth Form Entry

Sixth form admissions operate separately from Year 7 entry. Students apply directly to the school rather than through the local authority. The sixth form welcomes external applicants alongside internal progression from Year 11.

Entry requirements vary by course. Academic A-level routes typically require minimum GCSE grades in relevant subjects, while vocational programmes may have different or more flexible requirements. The school provides guidance on appropriate pathways during the application process, helping students select courses matched to their prior attainment and future goals.

Open evenings for prospective sixth form students typically run in autumn term. Dates for specific events are published on the school website. Interested students should contact the school directly or monitor their website for current year arrangements.

Pastoral support is structured through the house system and dedicated staff who monitor academic progress and personal wellbeing. The tutor system provides regular contact between students and a consistent adult who knows them well, allowing early identification of concerns and appropriate intervention.

The school maintains clear behaviour expectations, contributing to the settled atmosphere noted by inspectors. The Ofsted inspection rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Good, indicating that conduct around the school supports rather than hinders learning.

Support for students with special educational needs or disabilities operates through the school's SEND department, though the school does not have specially resourced provision. The fully accessible buildings ensure students with physical disabilities can participate fully in school life, a distinctive feature that makes Oriel one of the most inclusive schools in the area from an accessibility standpoint.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing receive attention through the pastoral system, with staff trained to recognise concerns and refer appropriately. The sixth form Code of Conduct sets expectations for older students, balancing increased independence with continued support.

Sport and Physical Activity

Sports clubs form a significant part of the extracurricular programme, offering students opportunities to participate at recreational and competitive levels. The school's grounds provide outdoor facilities for team sports, while partnerships with local clubs extend provision beyond what the school can offer alone.

Physical Education within the curriculum ensures all students engage with sport and fitness, while after-school and lunchtime clubs allow those with particular interests to develop their skills further. Inter-school competition gives committed athletes opportunities to represent Oriel against other schools in the area.

Creative and Performing Arts

Drama and performing arts feature prominently in school life. Recent productions have included Grease, involving students from across year groups in on-stage and backstage roles. These large-scale productions demand teamwork, commitment over extended rehearsal periods, and the confidence to perform publicly.

Music provision supports students learning instruments and participating in ensemble activities. The creative arts curriculum covers visual art, photography, and design alongside performing arts, ensuring students with varied creative interests find relevant opportunities.

Enrichment and Activities

The summer activities week stands out as a highlight of the school year, allowing students to explore interests outside standard classroom offerings. Educational trips abroad extend learning beyond the curriculum while building independence and cultural awareness.

Clubs and societies run throughout the year, with the programme varying termly to offer fresh opportunities. The Learning Outside the Classroom programme emphasises experiential learning that complements classroom teaching.

Sixth Form Facilities

Sixth form students benefit from dedicated study facilities designed for independent learning. These include seminar rooms, laboratory space, ICT-equipped study rooms, and quiet study areas. Working-day access to the library supports research and extended study.

The Sixth Form Cafe and Common Room provide spaces for socialising and relaxation alongside work areas. Amenities include a cafe serving hot and cold food, a pool table, table football, music, and drink-making facilities. Staff presence in these spaces maintains appropriate behaviour while allowing older students the less supervised environment they need.

The school is located at Matthews Drive, Maidenbower, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 7XW. The site has pedestrian access from Furnace Green via a railway underpass forming part of National Cycle Route 20, alongside student and vehicular access from Matthews Drive.

Public transport serves the school reasonably well. Bus lines 100 and 273 stop nearby, with Fenchurch Road in Maidenbower approximately five minutes' walk away. Three Bridges railway station, served by Thameslink services, is 29 minutes' walk from the school. Students travelling from Crawley Down can reach the school via Metrobus services through Three Bridges Station, taking around 28 minutes.

School hours and term dates follow West Sussex County Council patterns. For specific timings and current term dates, parents should consult the school website or contact the school directly.

Strong demand for places. With 2.74 applications for every Year 7 place, securing a place is competitive. Families living outside the immediate Maidenbower area may find the admissions distance tighter than they expect. Check historical admissions distances carefully before assuming a place is likely.

Results in the middle band. Both GCSE and A-level outcomes sit within the middle 35% of schools nationally. Families prioritising the highest possible grades may prefer schools with stronger examination performance. However, the Progress 8 score indicates the school adds value, and the broad curriculum serves students across the ability range effectively.

Sixth form grades below average. The A*-A rate of 17.9% sits below the England average of 23.6%. Students aiming for highly competitive university courses requiring top grades should consider whether Oriel's sixth form is the strongest option for their aspirations. That said, the breadth of courses suits students with varied goals.

Comprehensive intake means mixed ability. As a non-selective school, Oriel admits students across the full range of prior attainment. This creates a diverse community but means lessons must cater to varied starting points. High attainers should satisfy themselves that stretch and challenge are available for ambitious students.

Oriel High School delivers what a good community comprehensive should, combining solid academic foundations with genuine breadth in curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. Two decades of serving the Maidenbower community have created a school with clear identity and settled culture, backed by consistent Good ratings from Ofsted and strong local demand.

Results are respectable rather than exceptional, sitting within the middle band nationally but performing creditably against Crawley schools. The positive Progress 8 score indicates the school adds value regardless of starting points. The diverse destination data shows a school that successfully prepares students for multiple pathways, whether university, apprenticeship, or employment.

Best suited to families living within realistic admissions distance who want a local comprehensive with established reputation, broad curriculum, and accessible facilities. Students should be self-motivated enough to benefit from the opportunities available rather than requiring constant pressure to engage. The main challenge is securing a place given the strong oversubscription. For families who achieve entry, Oriel offers a balanced secondary education that prepares students well for whatever comes next.