Crown Hills Community College Review 2026: Outstanding Progress in Leicester

Situated in the Evington area of Leicester, Crown Hills Community College is an 11-16 co-educational school that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Serving a diverse community where over 60 languages are spoken, the school has established itself as a beacon of high expectations. The most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025 judged the school Outstanding in all areas, a validation of the rigorous "Crown Hills Way" that defines daily life on campus.

The school culture is built on three core values: Aspiration, Commitment, Success. This is not a slogan that gathers dust; it is operationalised through "The Crown Hills Way", a set of codified routines that cover everything from how students enter a classroom to how they present their work. The result is an atmosphere of calm purpose.

Mr Farhan Adam, Principal since 2017, has been the architect of this culture. His leadership, recently recognised with an MBE for services to education, focuses on removing barriers to achievement. The school operates as a "Well School", placing staff and student wellbeing at the heart of its strategy to improve outcomes.

The campus, situated on Gwendolen Road, benefits from its history as a Specialist Sports College. The facilities are extensive and heavily used, reinforcing the school's role as a community hub.

Academic performance is strong and improving. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.32, indicating that students progress significantly more here than the national average from their primary school starting points.

The school ranks 1,932nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 29th locally. While the Attainment 8 score of 48.7 aligns with the England average of 45.9, the progress data is the headline story. The 2025 inspection report highlighted that the curriculum is ambitious for all, with increasing numbers of students entering the English Baccalaureate.

Teaching follows a structured pedagogical model designed to ensure consistency. Lessons begin with retrieval practice to secure prior knowledge, followed by direct instruction and guided practice. This consistency helps students, particularly those with English as an Additional Language (EAL), to navigate the curriculum with confidence.

As a Lead Inclusion School for Leicestershire, Crown Hills demonstrates significant expertise in supporting diverse needs. Teachers are adept at scaffolding learning so that students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) can access the same ambitious content as their peers.

As an 11-16 provider, Crown Hills prepares students for post-16 transition rather than retaining them for sixth form. The careers programme is robust, with clear pathways established to local providers such as Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (WQE), Gateway College, and Leicester College. Transition guidance begins early, ensuring students make informed choices for their A-levels or vocational courses.

Admission is coordinated by Leicester City Council and is highly competitive. For the most recent intake, the school received 801 applications for just 300 places, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in the city.

Places are allocated primarily on distance from the school gate, after priority for looked-after children and those with an EHCP.

Advisory

The last distance offered varies annually based on the applicant cohort. In 2024, the catchment radius was tight; families should verify the latest distance data on the Leicester City Council website, as living in the general postcode area does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is organised through year teams, led by Heads of Year and supported by non-teaching Pastoral Achievement Leaders. This structure ensures that pastoral issues are dealt with rapidly without disrupting teaching time.

The school's "Lead Health and Wellbeing School" status is evident in its approach to mental health. Initiatives such as "Active in Mind" use physical activity to support emotional resilience. Attendance is a key focus, with the school maintaining figures above the national average through supportive but rigorous intervention.

The extracurricular offer is anchored in sport. As the host of the "Inspire Together" partnership, the school is a centre for competitive sport in the region. Students have access to a large sports hall, fitness suite, gymnasium, and extensive outdoor pitches.

Beyond sport, the enrichment programme includes the "Crown Hills Combined Cadet Force" (CCF), which builds leadership skills, alongside clubs for debating, science, and the arts. The "Period 6" programme offers academic intervention for Year 11 students, ensuring they are exam-ready.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Breakfast club is available from 8:00am, ensuring students are fuelled for the day. The site is easily accessible via public transport links serving the Evington and Spinney Hills areas.

• Oversubscription: With nearly three applicants per place, entry is difficult. Families living further than a mile from the school may find it challenging to secure a place solely on distance criteria.
• No Sixth Form: Students must move institution at 16. While the school prepares them well, families seeking a continuous 11-18 education in one building will need to look elsewhere.
• Strict Routine: "The Crown Hills Way" is non-negotiable. The high structure suits most students but requires total buy-in from families regarding uniform, equipment, and conduct.

Crown Hills Community College is a school operating at the top of its game. The recent Outstanding judgement (2025) confirms what the progress data has long suggested: this is an environment where high expectations lead to strong outcomes. Best suited to families who value a structured, disciplined environment and want a school that champions both academic progress and physical wellbeing. The main challenge is getting in.