King's Academy Bay House

From the shores of Stokes Bay, King's Academy Bay House occupies one of Hampshire's most distinctive school sites. The Grade II listed Bay House, designed by architect Decimus Burton in 1838 as a seaside villa for Alexander Baring, 1st Baron Ashburton, forms the historic heart of a campus serving over 2,000 students. The school's A-level results place it in the top 25% in England for sixth form outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), earning consecutive ALPS platinum awards for student progress. For a large, non-selective comprehensive serving the Gosport community, these figures represent genuine achievement. The January 2025 Ofsted inspection confirmed Good across all areas, marking significant improvement from Requires Improvement in 2022.

The school combines Victorian heritage with substantial modern investment. A major redevelopment project, procured through the Department for Education's High Value Band Framework, will deliver new science laboratories, art studios, and music rooms alongside living roofs and sustainable features. This transformational investment reflects genuine commitment to Gosport's educational infrastructure.

The school's mission is to secure Opportunity and Success on a Global Stage for every member of its community. Three values underpin daily life: Honesty, Courage, and Faith. Staff and students reference these naturally rather than treating them as slogans on corridor walls. The ethos creates an environment of happiness, success, and safety that the January 2025 inspection recognised explicitly.

The setting provides character that few state schools can match. Burton's Gothic-style villa, originally named Ashburton House, survived a devastating fire in 1984 and subsequent restoration. The three-storey building with its long east wing and pavilion terminus represents significant architectural heritage. Prince Alfred Ernest, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria's second son, attended a naval academy at the site when it was known as Ashburton House in 1870. In 1943, the house was sold to Gosport Borough Council, with the 17 acres of parkland donated to the people of the borough. Following World War II, the house became Gosport County Grammar School, and the modern Bay House School was established in 1972 through amalgamation with Privett Secondary School.

The building now forms a pedestrian entrance to a campus undergoing transformational redevelopment. Kier has been appointed to deliver 6,862 square metres of new teaching blocks alongside refurbishment of over 4,000 square metres of existing space. The net-zero carbon design incorporates air source heat pumps, solar panels, and passive ventilation systems. New science laboratories, art studios, and music rooms will complement living roofs, atriums with natural light, a central courtyard, and an entrance plaza. Electric vehicle charging points and expanded cycle storage reflect environmental priorities. The Grade II listed Bay House will be retained and restored, serving as the school's new pedestrian entrance while preserving its heritage significance.

Chris Willis has led the school since joining the organisation in 2019. Before arriving in Hampshire, Willis held senior leadership positions across London schools and serves as a Trustee for another national Multi Academy Trust. He also holds the role of Executive Leader for Personal Development and Community Endeavours across the trust. Under his leadership, the sixth form has secured consecutive ALPS platinum awards, placing it among the top 10% of A-level providers in England for student progress. The recent Ofsted improvement from Requires Improvement to Good reflects sustained work on teaching quality and curriculum design.

The school's coastal location, adjacent to Stokes Bay, provides a distinctive backdrop. Gosport's naval heritage and proximity to Portsmouth create a community context quite different from inland Hampshire towns. The area benefits from being a stone's throw from Portsmouth with excellent transport links including the Gosport Ferry. The 2024 merger of GFM Education into King's Group Academies has positioned the school within a larger trust structure while maintaining its local identity. The school first joined a Multi-Academy Trust in 2017 when it became a founding member of GFM Education.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, the school's Attainment 8 score of 42.2 sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The Progress 8 score of -0.07 indicates students make broadly average progress from their starting points, neither significantly above nor below expected trajectories given prior attainment. The school ranks 1st among schools in Gosport for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), reflecting its position as the area's primary comprehensive provision.

Results in 2024 included notable individual achievements. Patience Sullivan secured ten grade 9s and one grade 8, making her the highest performing girl in the school. She has progressed to study A-levels in Changzhou, China, at an international school where she will study maths, further maths, chemistry, and biology with ambitions for a career in medicine. Such outcomes demonstrate that high-attaining students can thrive here alongside the comprehensive intake. In 2024, 35.6% of students achieved grade 5 or above in both Maths and English, and 54.3% achieved five or more GCSEs at grade 9-4.

The EBacc entry rate and average point score reflect curriculum choices balancing academic rigour with vocational pathways. The 11.5% of students achieving EBacc grades 5 or above indicates selective entry to this qualification route, with an average EBacc point score of 3.73. Schools serving comprehensive intakes often prioritise breadth of qualification options over universal EBacc entry.

A-level Performance

The sixth form tells a stronger story. With 63.8% of A-level grades at A*-B and 28.9% at A*-A, performance significantly exceeds the England average of 47.2% at A*-B and 23.6% at A*-A. The school ranks 667th in England for A-level outcomes, placing it in the top 25% of sixth forms in England (FindMySchool ranking). Within Gosport, the sixth form ranks 1st. The combined GCSE and A-level ranking of 699th in England reflects solid overall academic provision.

The ALPS platinum award, achieved for consecutive years, recognises exceptional progress between GCSE and A-level. Chris Willis described the achievement as tremendous, noting formal recognition by ALPS as one of the top 10% of A-level providers nationally for a second consecutive year. This value-added measure matters particularly for a comprehensive school drawing students from across the ability range. Students do not need elite GCSE grades to succeed here; the sixth form adds genuine value regardless of starting point.

Approximately 90% of students secure places at their first-choice university, suggesting effective matching between aspiration and achievement. The 99% A*-E pass rate demonstrates that students who begin courses typically complete them successfully.

Vocational courses complement academic pathways. ICT achieved 100% Distinction* to Distinction grades; Health and Social Care students achieved 60% at the highest grades. The Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors) provides a three A-level equivalent for students pursuing careers in outdoor education, sports coaching, or related fields. Such qualifications carry genuine currency with employers and universities in relevant sectors.

Teachers have expert subject knowledge, using this expertise to make learning clear for pupils. The January 2025 inspection highlighted strong academic support and high aspirations across the school, noting that students speak highly of the support they receive. Lesson structure follows a 30-period weekly timetable with 50-minute periods, enabling depth within individual subjects while maintaining breadth across the curriculum.

The curriculum spans traditional academic subjects alongside vocational and applied qualifications. Sciences are taught separately from Year 7, with students pursuing two or more from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, or Further Maths at A-level needing at least one grade 7 in a relevant GCSE for entry. This threshold ensures appropriate preparation while remaining accessible to able students from the comprehensive intake. Languages include French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin at A-level, with Mandarin representing an increasingly valued skill for global careers. The breadth of humanities provision encompasses Ancient History, Politics, Philosophy and Ethics, and Psychology alongside core subjects like History and Geography.

The NCFE Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors), equivalent to three A-levels, provides a distinctive vocational pathway unavailable at many sixth forms. The Healthcare Pathway combines Health and Social Care with Sociology and a third subject from Business, English Language, IT, Politics, or Criminology. Such structured combinations support progression to specific career routes including nursing, social work, and health management. The Level 3 Diploma in Criminology offers study of criminal behaviour and how it can be managed, controlled, and prevented, appealing to students considering careers in law enforcement, legal services, or social policy.

Knowledge Organisers and Learning Journeys provide structure for student study. GCSE to A-level Home Learning Resources bridge the transition, acknowledging that the step up to post-16 study requires preparation. Taster days following GCSE exams allow incoming sixth formers to sample courses before final choices, reducing the risk of mismatched subject selections.

The International Dimension curriculum component ensures students develop global awareness alongside subject knowledge. Personal Development programmes run throughout the school, building character and employability skills alongside academic study.

In 2024, 46% of the Year 13 cohort of 225 students progressed to university. A further 9% started apprenticeships, while 29% entered employment directly. Further education accounted for 1% of leavers. These figures reflect the comprehensive nature of the intake and the school's commitment to supporting multiple pathways rather than treating university as the only valid destination.

Twenty-five students applied to Oxbridge in the measurement period, with one securing a place at Cambridge, representing a 100% acceptance rate for offers received. The school ranks 287th in England for Oxford applications, indicating genuine ambition among the highest-attaining students despite serving a comprehensive intake. Five students secured medical school places in recent cohorts, with one progressing to veterinary medicine, both highly competitive entry routes requiring sustained academic performance and work experience.

The school does not publish detailed Russell Group percentages, though university destinations span a range of institutions. More than two thirds of university applicants secured places to study their chosen course, suggesting effective matching between student aspiration and institutional fit. The focus on first-choice acceptances, with 90% achieving this outcome, reflects careful guidance through the UCAS process. Students receive comprehensive support for applications to university and have high aspirations for bright futures.

Degree apprenticeships feature prominently in destination discussions, reflecting Gosport's employment context and the school's vocational strengths. In an area with strong connections to defence and maritime industries, including proximity to Portsmouth Naval Base and aerospace firms, these pathways represent viable and valued alternatives to university. The combination of employment and apprenticeship routes accounting for 38% of leavers demonstrates that the school prepares students for immediate workforce entry as effectively as higher education progression.

For parents comparing local Hub performance on the FindMySchool platform, the school's destinations data can be viewed alongside comparable institutions using the Comparison Tool to assess relative strengths.

Year 7 Entry

Applications for Year 7 are coordinated through Hampshire County Council. The closing date falls on 31 October 2025 for September 2026 entry. National offer day is 1 March 2026, with appeal deadlines falling on 31 March and appeal hearings scheduled for the week of 26 May 2025.

The school serves a defined catchment area, though living within the catchment does not guarantee a place. With 484 applications for 332 offers in the most recent admissions round, the school operates as oversubscribed with a subscription proportion of 1.46, meaning approximately three applications compete for every two places. After children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school and looked-after children, priority typically follows catchment, siblings, and distance criteria.

Parents can check catchment status using Hampshire's online School Catchment Area Finder or the Bay House catchment map available on the school website. Some catchment boundaries are changing from September 2026, and families should verify current arrangements through the local authority before making property decisions based on school access.

For in-year applications between Years 7 and 11, contact the school's admissions team directly at admissions@kgabayhouse.uk or 02392 587931 (extension 3276). The school emphasises resolving issues within current schools when possible but supports genuine transfers.

Sixth Form Entry

External candidates comprise approximately half the sixth form intake, with around 230 joining annually from other schools. This substantial external intake creates a genuinely refreshed cohort at post-16, bringing together students from across Gosport and surrounding areas. Applications are submitted electronically via the school's application portal by the first Monday in March. Guidance meetings, involving parents for external candidates, typically begin in December.

Entry requirements include six GCSE passes at grades 4-9, with at least four at grade 5 or above. Students pursuing multiple sciences or mathematics need at least one grade 7 in a relevant subject. Individual courses carry additional prerequisites detailed on the school website. These requirements balance accessibility with appropriate preparation for A-level study.

The Sixth Form Open Evening takes place on Thursday 9 October 2025. Taster days following GCSE exams allow prospective students to experience courses before confirming choices. Enrolment occurs after GCSE results day, with places confirmed once actual grades are known. Contact the sixth form team on 02392 505276/7 for specific queries.

Parents considering sixth form options can use the FindMySchool Map Search to compare post-16 providers within travelling distance, examining both results and subject availability.

The school's ethos centres on happiness, success, and safety. The January 2025 inspection recognised that this ethos enables pupils to develop values of kindness, resilience, and self-regulation. Tutors maintain regular contact with families, introducing themselves to new students and providing ongoing support throughout their time at the school.

The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme trains students to support peers, creating a peer-led support network alongside adult provision. A Young Carers programme recognises and assists students with caring responsibilities at home, acknowledging that family circumstances can affect school engagement. SEND services support students with additional needs through dedicated staff and tailored interventions. The Pupil Premium and Service Families provisions address specific circumstances within the school community, reflecting Gosport's military connections.

The school is currently conducting consultation on a Proposed Resourced Provision for Pupils with Autism, indicating commitment to expanding specialist support within the mainstream setting.

The sixth form offers dedicated pastoral support through Miss Osborne as Head of Sixth Form, supported by Mr Woolway and Mr Farrelly as Deputy Heads. Tutor time activities include debating, presentations, and discussions on topical issues, building communication skills alongside academic study. The Elevate programme provides additional personal development opportunities for sixth form students.

Sports and Physical Activity

Sports facilities include indoor and outdoor provision available for both curriculum use and community hire through the Gosport Community Hub. The badminton court, football pitches, netball court, and sports hall support a range of activities. Changing facilities are well-maintained for team and individual use. The Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors) provides a specialised pathway for students passionate about physical education, outdoor pursuits, and coaching careers.

Arts and Creative

The redevelopment project will deliver new art studios and music rooms, significantly enhancing creative provision. Drama and Theatre, Film Studies, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Music, and Textiles all feature at A-level, indicating depth in creative subjects beyond what many state sixth forms offer. Showcases throughout the year celebrate student achievements in creative projects, performances, and memorable events that make the school community special.

Academic Enrichment

Students participate in academic competitions including the UK Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge, with several achieving Gold Certificates placing them in the top 10% nationally. This recognition reflects strong computer science provision and effective preparation for competitive challenges. The Sixth Form Enrichment Programme and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award extend learning beyond the classroom. The Elevate programme provides additional development opportunities.

Clubs and Societies

A termly clubs programme operates across the school, with details published through the school's downloadable club list. While specific offerings vary by term, the breadth covers academic, creative, and physical activities. Clubs and societies provide opportunities for students to pursue interests beyond curriculum requirements and develop leadership skills through participation and organisation.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. Students proceed to lineup at 8:40am, with tutor time beginning at 8:45am. Six 50-minute periods follow: Period 1 (9:10-10:05), Period 2 (10:05-10:55), break (10:55-11:10), Period 3 (11:10-12:05), Period 4 (12:05-12:55), lunch (12:55-13:30), Period 5 (13:30-14:25), and Period 6 (14:25-15:15). The school operates for 32 hours and 55 minutes per week.

Transport links benefit from Gosport's proximity to Portsmouth. The area is accessible by ferry from Portsmouth Harbour, providing connections to mainline rail services, with bus services serving the Gomer Lane location. The school's position near Stokes Bay provides a coastal setting distinct from inland Hampshire schools.

The Gosport Community Hub operates from the school site, with facilities available for community hire including multipurpose spaces. School catering services operate throughout the day. The Virtual Library provides digital resources for student research and study.

Chromebook provision ensures students have access to digital learning tools. Free School Meals support is available for eligible families, and the school actively promotes take-up among entitled families.

Large school environment. With over 2,000 students on roll, this is a substantial school operating at approximately 97% of its 2,128 capacity. Some students thrive in larger environments with greater breadth of opportunity; others prefer smaller settings with more individual attention. The scale provides course variety, particularly at A-level with over 25 subjects, but requires students to navigate a bigger community.

GCSE results are average. While the sixth form achieves impressively, GCSE outcomes sit in the middle band for England. The Progress 8 score of -0.07 indicates broadly typical progress from starting points. Families prioritising strong GCSE outcomes may wish to compare with alternatives using the Local Hub page.

Redevelopment disruption. The major building project will deliver excellent facilities but involves construction over a significant period. New science laboratories, art studios, and music rooms will benefit future students; those currently enrolled may experience some disruption during the works.

Comprehensive intake. The school serves its catchment without selection. This creates a genuinely mixed community but means peer groups include the full range of ability and aspiration. Families seeking academically selective environments should look elsewhere.

King's Academy Bay House combines heritage architecture with transformational investment in modern facilities. The sixth form's consecutive ALPS platinum awards demonstrate genuine strength in post-16 provision, with value-added measures placing it among the top 10% in England. GCSE outcomes are more typical, reflecting the comprehensive intake and Gosport's community context.

Best suited to families within the catchment who value breadth of opportunity within a large, improving school. The coastal setting, historic Decimus Burton buildings, and investment in net-zero facilities create an environment with distinctive character. For sixth form entry, the school offers particular strength, drawing external candidates from across the area and achieving strong progression to university and employment. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist while comparing local alternatives.