Furze Platt Senior School Review 2026: Academic Ambition in a Collaborative Community

In a leafy corner of Maidenhead where suburban streets meet the Berkshire countryside, Furze Platt Senior School serves as a prominent educational hub for local families. As a large academy with a capacity of 1,450, it offers a co-educational environment for students aged 11 to 18. The school's 2024 GCSE results place it among the top four secondary schools in Maidenhead, a position supported by a curriculum that official assessments describe as aspiring and broad.

Dr Andrew Morrison has led the school as Headteacher since September 2018, overseeing an era of significant modernisation and expansion. Under his leadership, the school has reinforced its reputation for academic progress, with students frequently outperforming national expectations based on their primary school starting points. The school operates with a clear focus on its ACHIEVE values; Ambitious, Collaborative, Happy, Integrity, Endurance, Versatility, and Excellence; which permeate daily life and student interactions.

The campus at Furze Platt reveals a thoughtful blend of original architecture and contemporary additions. The most striking features are the professional drama and music studios, including a modern theatre with seating for over 400, and technologically advanced laboratories for English and Science. At lesson changeovers, the atmosphere is purposeful, with students moving between dedicated subject wings that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

The House system provides a smaller, supportive community within the larger school structure. Each student belongs to one of eight houses named after local landmarks, such as Bisham, Bray, and Cookham. This vertical structure encourages collaboration across year groups, with older students often mentoring younger peers.

Staff and students alike show genuine pride in their school community. The latest Ofsted report rated the school Good, with inspectors noting that pupils are friendly, courteous, and polite. This culture of respect is central to the school's identity, creating an environment where students feel safe and happy to express their individuality.

Academic performance at Furze Platt is characterised by strong "value added" scores, indicating that students make progress that is well above the England average. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 49.1, surpassing the local authority and England averages. The Progress 8 score of +0.36 is particularly notable, as it confirms that students at Furze Platt achieve significantly better outcomes than peers with similar starting points elsewhere.

The school ranks 4th in Maidenhead for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking) and sits within the national typical band in England, reflecting solid and reliable performance. Nearly one-fifth of students achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), while many others excelled in creative and technical subjects.

At A-level, the school maintains its status as a leading local provider. In 2024, 41.9% of entries achieved A*, A, or B grades. The school ranks 5th in Maidenhead for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking), consistently outperforming many regional competitors in terms of student progress from GCSE to Year 13.

The curriculum at Furze Platt is designed to be both inclusive and challenging. In the lower years, students follow a broad range of subjects, with specialist teaching in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and STEM subjects from Year 7. The school has been a specialist centre for Mathematics and Computing since 2003, and this expertise continues to influence the curriculum through high-quality digital resources and interactive learning.

Teachers are noted for their strong subject knowledge, and most are subject specialists. This expertise allows for a personalised approach to learning, where students are pushed to aspire beyond their perceived limits. The "Shine" resource provision specifically supports students with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), ensuring that the curriculum is accessible to all learners within the mainstream setting.

Where Students Go Next

For students leaving at the end of Year 13, the school provides a passport to various competitive pathways. In 2024, 51% of leavers progressed to university, with many securing places at prestigious Russell Group institutions. Students have gone on to read subjects ranging from Architecture and Law to Mechanical Engineering and Acting at 49 different universities.

The school's elite university pipeline is evidenced by its Oxbridge success. In the most recent measurement period, 10 students submitted Oxbridge applications, with 1 student successfully securing an acceptance at the University of Cambridge.

For those not pursuing traditional degrees, the school's commitment to careers education is evident. In 2024, 31% of leavers moved into employment, while 4% secured apprenticeships in sectors such as IT sales, Music Production, and Hospitality. This diversity of destinations reflects the school's aim to prepare students for the modern job market.

Furze Platt Senior School is a popular choice and is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 671 applications for 259 places, representing a subscription proportion of 2.59.

Admissions for Year 7 are coordinated by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The closing date for applications for September 2026 entry is 31 October 2025, with offers released on 2 March 2026. For those considering the school, it is important to note that proximity is a key factor in the allocation of places once siblings and looked-after children have been prioritised.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered in previous years. Admission to the Sixth Form is managed directly by the school, with applications typically closing in early January.

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the school, anchored by the ACHIEVE values. The House system ensures that every student has a dedicated tutor who monitors their academic and personal wellbeing. Younger pupils frequently mention the support they receive from Sixth Form students, who act as role models and mentors.

Behaviour across the site is calm and conducive to learning. According to the most recent Ofsted inspection, behaviour in the Sixth Form is exemplary, and relationships between staff and students are shaped by mutual respect. The school's commitment to personal development ensures that students are not only academically successful but also well-rounded and resilient.

The extracurricular provision at Furze Platt is extensive and highly valued by the community. The school has won the International Schools Award twice, reflecting its strong Modern Foreign Languages department and its various exchange programmes.

Music and drama are pillars of the school's extracurricular life. The numerous choirs have performed abroad, and school productions in the 400-seat theatre are frequently booked out. Sporting success is equally prominent, with students excelling in traditional team sports as well as sailing and athletics.

Students can participate in specific clubs such as the Robotics Club, various senior choirs, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. The professional-standard facilities, including the fitness suite and music studios, allow students to pursue their passions at a high level.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Furze Platt Senior School does not charge tuition fees for any of its year groups. The school is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not limit a student's education.

For students in the Sixth Form, the 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to help with specific participation costs. This includes Vulnerable Bursaries of up to £1,200 for eligible students and Discretionary Bursaries for those with household incomes below £26,000. These funds can be used for transport, books, equipment, and course-related trips. Families eligible for Free School Meals are encouraged to apply for the £2.95 daily allowance, which supports students throughout their school day.

The school day begins at 8:40am and ends at 3:15pm. While the school does not run a formal primary-style breakfast club, the library and Sixth Form centre are often open early for independent study.

The school is well-served by local transport, with Furze Platt railway station located a short walk away. Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page on FindMySchool to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

• Oversubscription: With 2.59 applications for every place, entry is highly competitive. Living within the immediate catchment is often necessary to secure a spot for those without siblings already at the school.
• Large School Dynamics: The school's size (over 1,500 students) may be intimidating for some. However, the House system is designed to create smaller, more manageable communities for every child.
• Mixed Destinations: While many students go to top universities, a significant 31% enter employment directly. Families should consider if this balanced academic and vocational culture aligns with their child's long-term goals.

Furze Platt Senior School offers a vibrant and ambitious environment where progress is the priority. It successfully combines the scale of a large academy with the personalised care of a much smaller institution. Best suited to students who want a broad, modern education with extensive opportunities in the arts and STEM. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.