Rodborough: Academic Ambition in the Surrey Hills

Set against the leafy backdrop of Milford within the Surrey Hills, Rodborough offers a distinctively community-focused education for students aged 11 to 16. As an academy within the Weydon Multi-Academy Trust (WMAT), it benefits from the resources of a high-performing partnership while retaining a fiercely independent character. The school caters for approximately 900 students, creating an environment that feels large enough to offer variety but small enough to ensure no child remains anonymous.

The campus on Rake Lane reflects its evolution, blending functional educational architecture with modern additions designed to support a contemporary curriculum. The atmosphere is purposeful but relaxed; students move between lessons with a level of self-regulation that suggests mutual respect rather than rigid enforcement.

Mrs Emma Hunston, the Principal, has led the school since December 2022. Her leadership emphasizes high expectations and a supportive culture where students are known as individuals. The school values are not merely decorative but woven into the fabric of the school day, fostering a sense of belonging that is palpable in the corridors.

The absence of a sixth form fundamentally shifts the dynamic here. Year 11 students are the undisputed leaders of the school. They take on prefect roles, run house events, and mentor younger students without being overshadowed by 18-year-olds. This structural reality forces 15 and 16-year-olds to step up, fostering maturity earlier than in many 11-18 institutions.

Rodborough consistently delivers outcomes that outpace national benchmarks. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.52. This metric is particularly significant for parents; it indicates that students here achieve, on average, half a grade higher in every subject than students of similar ability across England.

The average Attainment 8 score of 55.9 sits well above the England average of 45.9. The core subjects are a particular strength: 27.2% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) suite of subjects.

Ranked 907th in England and 3rd in Godalming for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), Rodborough sits in the national strong tier, placing it above the England average (top 25%). Performance in English and Mathematics is robust, but the school also prides itself on maintaining breadth, resisting the temptation to narrow the curriculum solely for league table gains.

The curriculum follows a three-year Key Stage 3, allowing students to explore subjects in depth before making GCSE choices in Year 9. This breadth is evident in the retention of creative subjects; Art, Drama, and Music remain central to the timetable rather than being sidelined.

Teaching is structured around a framework that encourages students to understand how they learn, not just what they learn. In Science, practical work is frequent, supported by well-equipped laboratories. The Mathematics department uses setting from Year 7, ensuring students are stretched or supported at an appropriate pace.

The school is part of the Weydon Multi-Academy Trust (WMAT), which facilitates significant staff development. Teachers here frequently collaborate with colleagues from partner schools, sharing best practice and resources. This outward-facing approach prevents the insularity that can sometimes affect standalone schools.

As an 11-16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a major focus. The vast majority of students progress to Godalming College, one of the highest-performing sixth form colleges in the country, located just a few miles away. The pathway is well-trodden, with close curriculum links ensuring students are prepared for the step up to A-levels.

Other destinations include Merrist Wood for land-based courses, Guildford College for vocational training, and other local sixth forms such as The Friary or Alton College. The school employs a dedicated careers advisor who begins the conversation about post-16 options as early as Year 8, ensuring no student reaches Year 11 without a plan.

Admissions are coordinated by Surrey County Council and the school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 376 applications for 192 places, a subscription proportion of nearly 2:1.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children and siblings, followed by children of staff. Remaining places are allocated based on distance from the school gate. Families living in Milford, Witley, and immediate surrounds are typically well-placed, but those further afield in Godalming or outlying villages should check historical catchment distances carefully.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is organised through a Year System rather than vertical houses, although a House system (Webb, Wells, and Owen) exists for competitions. Each year group is led by a Head of Year and supported by a non-teaching Pastoral Assistant. This structure means there is always someone available during the school day to deal with immediate social or emotional concerns without being tied to a teaching timetable.

The school operates a "Tell Someone" culture, actively encouraging students to report concerns about themselves or others. Mental health support includes access to school counsellors and external agencies. The Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum is robust, tackling contemporary issues from online safety to healthy relationships with candour.

Extracurricular life at Rodborough is vibrant and treated as a core entitlement rather than an optional extra. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a major pillar of school life; participation rates are high, with hundreds of students completing Bronze and Silver awards annually. The expeditions in the Surrey Hills and beyond foster a grit that classroom learning cannot replicate.

Sport is another cornerstone. The school fields competitive teams in football, netball, rugby, and athletics. Facilities include a sports hall, gymnasium, and extensive playing fields that are the envy of many urban schools.

The Creative Arts faculties are equally active. The annual school production involves a significant portion of the student body, not just on stage but in lighting, sound, and set design. Music groups include the Jazz Band and Vocal Group, which perform regularly at community events. Major trips include expeditions to Kenya and Iceland, offering students global perspectives.

The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm. A breakfast club is available from 8:00am in the canteen. Rodborough is situated on Rake Lane, a short distance from Milford station, making it accessible by train for students coming from the Haslemere or Guildford directions. Several dedicated school buses serve the surrounding villages.

No Sixth Form: Students must move institution at 16. While the link to Godalming College is strong, some students find the break in continuity daunting compared to an 11-18 school. Conversely, many thrive on the "fresh start" before university.

Oversubscription: With nearly two applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families outside the immediate catchment area cannot assume a place and must have realistic backups.

Site Topography: The campus is spread out and includes multiple buildings. While this creates a university-campus feel, it requires students to be organised and punctual when moving between lessons.

Uniform Standards: The school maintains strict uniform policies. Families who prefer a more relaxed approach to dress codes may find the expectations regarding shoes, skirts, and jewellery exacting.

Rodborough offers a high-quality, comprehensive education that balances strong academic outcomes with genuine pastoral warmth. The +0.52 Progress 8 score proves that students here outperform expectations, while the diverse extracurricular offer ensures they leave as rounded individuals. Best suited to local families who value a strong community feel and are happy for their children to transition to a specialist sixth form college at 16. The main challenge is securing a place.