Situated in the village of Barton Seagrave on the edge of Kettering, The Latimer Arts College serves its local community with a distinct identity rooted in creativity. While it operates as a comprehensive academy for 11-18 year olds, its status as an Arts College is visible in its facilities and curriculum weighting.
The college is larger than average, with approximately 1,200 students, yet retains a village-school feel through its house system. Under the leadership of Mrs Kathryn Murphy, the school has maintained a consistent 'Good' rating from Ofsted, most recently in March 2023. It is a popular choice locally, with over two applications for every place in Year 7.
The campus is a functional mix of eras, dominated by the impressive Masque Theatre which serves as both a school and community hub. This 200-seat professional venue sets the tone; this is a school where performance is central to daily life. Students move between the older blocks and newer additions like the sports centre with a sense of purpose.
The school ethos is built around the acronym HEART: Honesty, Excellence, Ambition, Respect, and Teamwork. These values are not merely signage; they underpin the behaviour policy and the rewards system. The atmosphere is generally calm and inclusive, with the 2023 Ofsted report noting that pupils feel safe and that bullying is rare.
There is a distinct energy here, driven by the arts specialism. Rehearsals often spill into lunchtimes, and the sound of music practice is a common backdrop to the school day.
In 2024, the school delivered solid academic performance. At GCSE, the school ranks 2,450th in England (FindMySchool ranking) and 4th among secondary schools in Kettering. The Progress 8 score of +0.23 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points, outperforming the England average.
Attainment is stable, with an Attainment 8 score of 45.2. Approximately 7.4% of pupils achieved strong passes (Grade 5+) in the English Baccalaureate, reflecting a curriculum that balances academic core subjects with vocational and creative options.
At Sixth Form, the picture strengthens further. Ranked 1,138th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd in Kettering, the college sits in the national typical band (top 43%). Over half of all grades (51%) were A*-B in 2024, a creditable achievement for a non-selective sixth form.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
51.33%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad but leans proudly into its specialism. While the core subjects of English, mathematics, and science are taught with rigour, the arts are given equal status. Drama, dance, music, and media are popular options at both GCSE and A-level.
Teaching is structured and supportive. Inspectors noted that teachers have secure subject knowledge and use assessment well to check understanding. In the Sixth Form, class sizes are smaller, allowing for more seminar-style learning, particularly in the humanities and arts subjects.
The school operates a two-week timetable, ensuring balance between core academic subjects and the creative breadth that defines the college.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
Destinations data reflects the diverse interests of the student body. In 2024, 47% of leavers progressed to university. The school also supports high aspirations effectively, with one student securing a place at Cambridge in the most recent cycle.
Alternative pathways are well-supported, with 11% of leavers securing apprenticeships and 30% moving directly into employment. The arts specialism sees a steady stream of students progressing to conservatoires and specialist colleges for drama and dance.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Admissions are coordinated by North Northamptonshire Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed; in 2024, there were 541 applications for 232 places, a ratio of 2.3 applications per seat.
The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children and siblings, followed by children of staff. Remaining places are allocated by distance from the school. While there is no fixed catchment area, the popularity of the school means the effective catchment radius can shrink in years of high demand.
Families apply via the Common Application Form (CAF) by the national deadline of 31 October.
Applications
541
Total received
Places Offered
232
Subscription Rate
2.3x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is organised through a vertical house system, with students allocated to one of four houses: Attenborough, Gilbert, Kahlo, or Tull. These houses, named after inspirational figures like Sarah Gilbert and Walter Tull, provide a sense of belonging within the larger school population. Form tutors are the first point of contact, supported by non-teaching Student Support Officers who are available throughout the day.
The school takes mental health seriously, with specific support available for students managing anxiety or emotional difficulties. The latest inspection highlighted the strength of these relationships, noting that staff know pupils well and are quick to provide help when needed.
As expected, the extracurricular programme is dominated by the arts. The Masque Theatre hosts regular productions, from Shakespeare to contemporary musicals, involving hundreds of students on stage and behind the scenes in technical roles.
However, the offer extends beyond the stage. The sports centre facilitates a range of clubs including netball, football, and badminton. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels.
Notable clubs include:
A selective group that performs locally and nationally.
For students interested in science and engineering challenges.
Which competes in local public speaking competitions.
This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for the cost of uniforms, stationary, and optional trips.
Music lessons are available at an additional cost, though subsidies may be available for families on lower incomes. The school receives Pupil Premium funding to support eligible students, which can be used to assist with the cost of trips, equipment, and enrichment activities.
State-funded school (families may still pay for uniforms, trips, and optional activities).
The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. The site is located on Castle Way in Barton Seagrave, accessible via local bus routes from Kettering and surrounding villages. Facilities are shared with the community out of hours, particularly the sports hall and theatre.
The Latimer Arts College successfully balances its role as a local comprehensive with a distinct, vibrant identity as a centre for creativity. Results are solid and progress is above average, particularly in the Sixth Form. Best suited to students who will thrive in an environment where expression and performance are valued as highly as academic grades. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular community school.
Yes. Ofsted rated the school 'Good' in March 2023. The report praised the quality of education, the behaviour of pupils, and the strong leadership. Academic progress is above the national average (Progress 8 score of +0.23).
Yes, it is competitive. In 2024, the school received 541 applications for 232 Year 7 places, meaning there were more than two applicants for every seat. Places are allocated mainly on distance after priority groups (siblings, staff children) are served.
The school does not have a fixed map-based catchment area. Instead, it uses distance from the school gate as a tie-breaker. The 'cut-off' distance varies each year depending on where applicants live; families should contact North Northamptonshire Council for the most recent data.
Yes. The Sixth Form is successful and inclusive, ranking 3rd in Kettering for A-level outcomes. It offers a wide range of A-level and vocational courses, with a particular strength in arts subjects alongside traditional academic options.
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