Robert May's School Review 2026: Historic Roots, Modern Outlook

Founded in 1694, Robert May's School sits in the historic village of Odiham, combining over three centuries of heritage with the bustle of a modern comprehensive. While the original 17th-century building remains a focal point, the school has expanded significantly to serve a wide rural and semi-rural catchment. It caters to students aged 11 to 16, meaning there is no sixth form attached; this singular focus on the main secondary phase creates a distinct atmosphere where Year 11s are the undisputed leaders of the community.

The drive through Odiham sets a picturesque scene, but the school itself is a busy, functional environment rather than a museum piece. The site is a blend of the old and the very new, with modern science blocks and sports facilities sitting alongside older architecture.

Mrs Rea Mitchell took up the headship in September 2023, bringing a fresh perspective to this established institution. The school ethos is built around the values of "Respect, Motivate, Support". These are not abstract concepts but practical expectations; behaviour is generally calm, and there is a clear sense of order in the corridors.

The student body is drawn from a relatively affluent catchment, but the school maintains a grounded, community feel. Students here seem proud of the school's long history without being weighed down by it. The uniform is worn smartly, and interactions between year groups are typically positive, fostered by a vertical tutor system where younger and older students mix.

Academically, the school performs solidly. In the 2024 GCSE examinations, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 49.1. This exceeds the England average of 45.9, indicating that students generally leave with higher grades than the national norm.

Robert May's ranks 1439th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 3rd among schools in the Hook local area. This performance reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The Progress 8 score of -0.06 suggests that students make progress broadly in line with expectations from their starting points. While not an academic hothouse, the school delivers consistent results that allow students to progress to their chosen post-16 destinations.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, resisting the trend to narrow choices too early. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) covers the full range of National Curriculum subjects, with a particular strength in the sciences and humanities.

Teaching follows clear structures. In many classrooms, you will find a traditional approach where subject expertise is central. The school has invested in its teaching facilities, particularly in Design and Technology and Computing, ensuring students have access to industry-standard equipment.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is coordinated through a dedicated team. The approach is one of integration, with teaching assistants working effectively within mainstream lessons to support access to the curriculum.

Pastoral care is organised through a House system, which provides a sense of belonging within the larger school population of over 1,300 students. The four houses, named after historical figures connected to the school, compete fiercely in sports and arts, creating a healthy rivalry that underpins school life.

Form tutors are the first point of contact, but the school also employs non-teaching pastoral support managers. This ensures that there is always someone available to deal with day-to-day worries when teachers are in class.

Extracurricular life is a genuine strength here. The school does not just rely on generic sports clubs; it offers specific, high-quality opportunities.

Sport

The PE department is extremely active. Facilities include a 4G pitch and extensive playing fields. The school fields competitive teams in rugby, netball, and hockey, frequently reaching district and county finals.

Arts

Music and drama are central pillars. The annual school production is a major event, involving over 100 students on stage and behind the scenes. The school orchestra and choir perform regularly, both in school and at local venues.

STEM

The Greenpower electric car racing team is a standout feature. Students design, build, and race electric cars, competing at circuits like Goodwood. This offers practical engineering experience that goes far beyond the textbook.

Trips

The calendar is packed with visits. From geography field trips to Iceland to history tours of the Battlefields, the school is committed to learning outside the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is hugely popular, with high completion rates at Bronze and Silver levels.

Admissions are coordinated by Hampshire County Council. Robert May's is a popular school and is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 523 applications for 292 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.79 applications per place.

The catchment area is strictly applied. Priority is given to looked-after children, followed by siblings and then those living within the designated catchment area. Living in Odiham or the named feeder villages is the only reliable way to secure a place; families living outside the catchment often find it difficult to gain entry unless they have sibling priority.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical allocation distances.

Since Robert May's ends at Year 11, transition advice is crucial. The school has excellent links with local sixth form colleges. The majority of students progress to Queen Mary's College or Basingstoke College of Technology in Basingstoke, or Farnborough Sixth Form College.

A significant number also move on to Alton College. The careers department works hard to ensure every student has a clear pathway, whether that is A-levels, vocational courses, or apprenticeships. The school hosts a large careers fair annually, bringing in local employers and colleges to help students make informed choices.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. A large fleet of buses serves the rural catchment, bringing students in from surrounding villages. Parents driving to drop off should be aware that West Street can become very congested at peak times; the school encourages the use of school transport where possible.

No Sixth Form: Students must move institutions at 16. While this allows for a fresh start and access to large specialist colleges, it does mean another transition when friends might be split across different providers.

Rural Location: While beautiful, the location means transport is a key factor. Students who miss the bus may find it difficult to get home, which can sometimes complicate participation in after-school clubs for those living furthest away.

Oversubscription: With nearly two applications for every place, securing entry is not guaranteed even for those relatively close by. Families moving to the area should check catchment boundaries meticulously.

Robert May's offers a robust, well-rounded education in a setting that feels both historic and purposeful. It balances respectable academic results with genuine strengths in sport, engineering, and the arts. Best suited to families in the catchment who want a traditional, community-focused secondary education where their child can stay busy and active until 16. The main challenge is securing a place.