Severn Vale School Review 2026: A Community Hub with Positive Progress

Situated in the growing suburb of Quedgeley on the southern edge of Gloucester, Severn Vale School serves as a vital academic and social anchor for the local community. It is a large, mixed 11 to 16 secondary academy that has seen its reputation and demand rise steadily under the leadership of Richard Johnson, who has been Headteacher since 2011. The school provides a stable, inclusive environment for its 1,325 students, operating at full capacity with a significant waiting list. While many schools in Gloucestershire are defined by the selective grammar system, Severn Vale carves out a distinct identity as a high performing comprehensive that focuses on making above average progress for students of all abilities.

The atmosphere at Severn Vale is best described as purposeful and orderly. Despite its large size, the school maintains a sense of individual identity through a well structured house system that fosters smaller communities within the larger whole. The physical site on School Lane has benefited from significant investment to keep pace with the increasing population of Quedgeley, resulting in a blend of established classrooms and more modern specialist blocks.

The school operates with a clear set of values centered on courtesy, consideration, and care. There is a palpable sense of pride among the students, often reflected in the high standards of uniform and the calm transition between lessons. Staff student relationships are a noted strength; there is a culture where students feel supported to take academic risks. The leadership team has successfully cultivated an environment where the "Severn Vale Way" is understood by all, emphasizing that every student, regardless of their starting point, can achieve significant personal growth.

Performance at Severn Vale tells a story of consistent value added growth. In the latest validated results, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46.1, which reflects a solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). However, the standout figure for parents is the Progress 8 score of +0.23. This indicates that students at Severn Vale make more progress than students with similar starting points across England, adding nearly a quarter of a grade to every subject they take.

Ranked 2,326th in England and 10th among the 18 secondaries in Gloucester for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school successfully balances academic rigor with inclusivity. While its Ebacc entry and achievement levels are slightly below the England average, the school focuses on a broad curriculum that ensures students are qualified for their next steps. The 8.8% of pupils achieving a grade 5 or above in the Ebacc is a reflection of a balanced curriculum choice rather than a lack of academic ambition.

Teaching at Severn Vale is characterized by high expectations and a structured approach to lesson delivery. The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, moving away from a narrow focus on league table metrics to ensure students enjoy a wide variety of subjects including the arts, technology, and physical education.

Students are taught predominantly in sets in Years 7 to 9 based on internal data collected during the first two terms of Year 7. At Key Stage 4, all students study English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, and Futures (which covers PSHE and RE), alongside four option subjects. Option subjects usually include everything from Computer Science and Sociology to Media Studies and Child Development.

Pastoral care is the bedrock of the Severn Vale experience. The school employs a dedicated team of non teaching pastoral leads, which ensures that there is always a member of staff available to deal with student concerns in real time. This model allows teachers to focus on instruction while ensuring that the emotional and social needs of the students are met by specialists.

The school has a robust anti bullying policy and a proactive approach to mental health through its dedicated Wellbeing Team. The Sanctuary provides a calm environment away from the main school building, offering a safe space for confidential one to one support or group work. Referrals to the Wellbeing Team are managed by Heads of Year to ensure support is targeted where it is most needed.

The extracurricular offer at Severn Vale is extensive. Sport is a significant pillar of school life, with the school taking full advantage of its floodlit pitches and sports hall. PE clubs running in 2025/2026 include football (Year 7 to 10), netball, cheerleading, and indoor cricket.

Beyond sport, the creative arts are a hive of activity. The music department offers various enrichment activities, and the school hosts an annual drama production. Specific clubs such as the Book Club, Cookery Club, and the vibrant Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) scheme provide students with opportunities to build resilience and leadership skills. The school even offers a DofE First Aid Club for participants.

Severn Vale School is consistently oversubscribed. In the latest admissions cycle, the school received 584 applications for just 259 places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.25, meaning there are more than two applicants for every available seat.

Admissions are coordinated by Gloucestershire County Council. After the placement of children with EHCPs and looked after children, priority is given to those with siblings already at the school and then to those living closest to the site. The application window for September 2026 entry closes at midnight on 31 October 2025, with allocation day on 02 March 2026. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded academy, Severn Vale School does not charge tuition fees. There are no costs for the standard curriculum or core educational activities. Families may be asked to contribute toward optional extras such as residential trips, certain extracurricular materials, or individual music tuition. Financial support and fee remissions for these activities are often available for students eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

The school day starts at 08:45 and ends at 15:15. Students have a 20 minute break at 11:20 and a 35 minute lunch at 13:40. The school provides what it calls a wrap around care package, which focuses on student wellbeing and personal development through extensive pastoral support and after school enrichment. While there is no formal primary style breakfast club, students are well looked after through a variety of morning and afternoon activities.

• High Demand for Places: With 2.25 applications per place, Severn Vale is fiercely competitive. Families living outside the immediate Quedgeley area may find it difficult to secure a place in the first round of allocations.
• No Sixth Form: As an 11 to 16 school, students must transition to a different provider for Year 12. While the school has excellent links with local colleges and sixth forms, parents should consider the impact of an additional move at age 16.
• Large School Feel: With over 1,300 students on a compact site, the school can feel busy and fast paced. While the house system mitigates this, it may be a significant adjustment for children coming from very small primary schools.

Severn Vale School is a high performing, community focused academy that successfully balances academic achievement with exceptional pastoral support. Its positive Progress 8 score confirms that students are not just treading water but are being actively pushed to exceed expectations. It is best suited to local families who want a supportive, well ordered environment that offers a genuine comprehensive education without the pressure of a selective system. For families who secure a place, the educational experience is exceptional.