Kenilworth School and Sixth Form Review 2026: Modern Ambition in Warwickshire

Kenilworth School and Sixth Form recently underwent the most significant transformation in its history. In September 2023, it consolidated two separate sites into a single, purpose-built £44 million campus on Glasshouse Lane. This move created one of the largest secondary schools in England, with a capacity for 2,200 students. Despite its vast scale, the school maintains a reputation for academic rigour that rivals the region's grammar schools.

The new campus at Glasshouse Lane feels more like a university faculty than a typical state secondary. The sheer scale of the building is striking, yet the design focuses on light and flow. A central spine connects the dedicated wings for different faculties, and the double-height atrium serves as a buzzing social hub.

Mr Nicholas Mummery serves as Headteacher, working alongside Executive Headteacher Mr Darren Nicholas. Their leadership focuses on maintaining the "small school feel" within a "super-school" structure. The ethos is built around the "5 Rs": Reasoning, Resilience, Responsibility, Reflectiveness, and Resourcefulness. These are not merely decorative words but form the language of the behaviour policy and assemblies.

The population is diverse in ability but united by a culture of high expectations. While the gleaming new facilities (from the lecture theatre to the sports centre) grab the headlines, the atmosphere remains grounded in traditional academic values. Students wear their blazers smartly, and movement around the massive site is generally orderly.

Academic performance is a headline strength. In 2024, the school's results placed it comfortably in the top tier of non-selective schools nationally.

At GCSE, the school ranks 712th in England and 1st in Kenilworth (FindMySchool ranking). The Progress 8 score of +0.48 indicates that students achieve nearly half a grade higher per subject than they would expect based on their starting points. Nearly 30% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate, reflecting a curriculum that remains broad and ambitious.

At A-level, the picture is equally strong. The school ranks 621st in England and 1st in Kenilworth for post-16 outcomes. In 2024, 61% of grades were A*-B, and over 10% of entries secured the top A* grade. This performance sits in the "national strong" band, placing it above the England average (top 25%).

The curriculum is structured to keep doors open. The "World Class" designation the school previously held is reflected in the breadth of offer. Key Stage 3 covers three years, resisting the trend to shorten it, which allows for deeper exploration of subjects like History and Geography before GCSE selection.

Specialist facilities at the new site have transformed lessons. Science laboratories are state-of-the-art, and the Design Technology workshops feature industry-standard equipment. Teaching is described by parents as knowledgeable and pacey. With the move to a single site, staff no longer travel between campuses, allowing for more consistent support and extracurricular presence.

The Sixth Form is a major destination for Year 11s, but it also attracts external applicants from Coventry and Warwick. In 2024, 56% of leavers progressed to university.

The school has a dedicated pathway for competitive admissions. In the 2024 cycle, 20 students applied to Oxbridge, with 4 receiving offers and 1 securing a place at Cambridge. While the conversion rate varies annually, the volume of applications demonstrates a culture of high aspiration. For those not pursuing university, the school has strengthened its careers advice, with 25% of leavers moving directly into employment or higher apprenticeships.

Admission is handled by Warwickshire County Council and is fiercely competitive. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 884 applications for 317 places, a subscription proportion of nearly 3 applicants per seat.

The catchment area is a critical factor. While the Priority Area covers Kenilworth, Park Hill, and parts of Stoneleigh, the popularity of the school means that living in the catchment does not guarantee a place if you live on the outer edges. Places are allocated first to looked-after children and siblings, then by straight-line distance.

Managing a cohort of over 2,000 students requires robust systems. The school operates a Year group structure rather than vertical houses. Each year group has a dedicated Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Support Manager, ensuring there is always someone available during lesson times to handle issues.

The new building was designed with wellbeing in mind. There are designated quiet spaces and a pastoral hub where students can access support away from the busy corridors. The "Reflectiveness" strand of the school's ethos encourages students to manage their own mental health, supported by a PSHE curriculum that tackles modern pressures head-on.

The move to Glasshouse Lane has unlocked new potential for extracurricular life. The sports facilities are exceptional, including a new sports hall, fitness suite, and extensive outdoor pitches. This supports a strong competitive record in rugby, netball, and football against local schools.

The arts are equally well served. The new main hall and drama studios host regular productions, and the Music department runs several ensembles, including a choir and jazz band. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a major pillar of school life, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels.

Clubs are diverse and subject-specific. Options typically include the Code Club for computing enthusiasts, a Debating Society that competes locally, and Science Club which utilises the new prep rooms.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. The new site is located on the edge of town, and traffic management on Glasshouse Lane has been a key focus since the opening. A dedicated bus drop-off zone helps manage the flow. Parents should note that the school enforces a strict uniform policy, including blazers and ties for all students.

Scale of the school. With 2,200 students, this is a massive institution. While the pastoral systems are strong, quieter students will need to be resilient to navigate the busy corridors and large social groups.

Admissions pressure. With nearly three applications for every place, securing entry is the primary hurdle. Families moving to the area specifically for the school should verify their proximity carefully. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

New site teething. While the facilities are brand new, the school has recently undergone a massive logistical change. Cultural settlement into the new building is ongoing, though early signs are positive.

Kenilworth School offers a compelling alternative to the private sector: a state-of-the-art campus, outstanding results, and a culture of genuine ambition, all without fees. It acts as a local "super-school" that delivers on its promises. Best suited to academically motivated students who will thrive in a large, busy, and modern environment. The main challenge is securing a place.