Malmesbury School

Outstanding across the board. In March 2024, Ofsted awarded Malmesbury School its highest rating in every category, from quality of education to sixth form provision. For families in rural North Wiltshire, this comprehensive represents a rare combination: academic rigour, genuine pastoral care, and results that compete with selective schools across the county. With 1,465 students aged 11 to 18, the school is large enough to offer breadth but maintains a community feel rooted in its market town setting. The school sits within The Athelstan Trust, a multi-academy organisation serving over four thousand students across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and South Gloucestershire.

The modern campus at Corn Gastons tells a story of continuous investment. The current building, which opened in April 2002 at a cost of £50 million, replaced a decades-old split-site arrangement that had kept younger and older students separated across town. Polar explorer David Hempleman-Adams formally opened the facility on 2 May 2003, setting a tone of ambition that persists today.

Brett Jouny has led the school since 2021, though his connection runs deeper. He previously served as a faculty head for International Business and Languages here before taking senior roles elsewhere, including as sole Deputy Headteacher at Burford School, one of the few remaining state boarding schools. His return brought both continuity and fresh perspective.

Three values define daily life: Happy, Caring, Excellent. These are not slogans but expectations. Jouny describes the school as relentlessly ambitious, constantly reflecting on practice. The latest Ofsted inspection confirmed this picture, noting that teaching quality is remarkably high because of high expectations.

The house system, reintroduced in 2007, connects students to Malmesbury's rich history. Houses bear the names of significant local figures: William of Malmesbury, the medieval historian; Eilmer, the legendary flying monk; Athelstan, first king of all England; and Hobbes, the philosopher Thomas Hobbes who was born in nearby Westport. This grounding in place matters. Students understand they belong to something with roots stretching back centuries.

GCSE Results

At GCSE, Malmesbury performs well above the England average. The school ranks 1,090th in England (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England for GCSE outcomes. Locally, it holds first position among schools in Malmesbury.

The 2024 Attainment 8 score of 51.8 exceeds the England average considerably. Almost one-third of GCSE entries achieved grades 9 to 7, with 15.9% at the very top grades of 9 and 8. Progress 8 of +0.34 indicates that students make well above average progress from their starting points, adding significant value to their GCSE performance compared to students with similar prior attainment.

The English Baccalaureate average point score of 4.68 sits above the England average of 4.08, reflecting strong performance across the core academic subjects.

A-Level Results

The sixth form has established itself among the strongest in the region for a state comprehensive. The school was recognised by the Department for Education for its A-level progress data, making it the top state comprehensive in Wiltshire for value-added.

In 2024, 32% of all A-level grades were awarded at A* or A, with over 80% at C or above. Historical data shows consistent performance: 38% achieved A* to A in 2023, 43% in 2022, and 33% in 2019 (pre-pandemic). The school ranks 775th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England at sixth form level, and holds first position locally in Malmesbury.

Students regularly undertake the Extended Project Qualification and Core Maths as part of the Excellence Programme, extending their academic range beyond standard A-levels.

The curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced. Specialist School Status for Science and Performing Arts, achieved in 2004, laid the groundwork for strong subject departments. A second specialism in Maths and Computing followed in 2009, and the school was designated a High Performing Specialist School in 2008.

Class sizes maintain reasonable ratios. With approximately 1,465 students and a staff structure that delivers a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers can provide meaningful individual attention. The Ofsted inspection highlighted that pupils achieve exceptionally well and build their knowledge progressively.

Subject departments benefit from strong specialist facilities. The Activity Zone, built in 1998 following a successful Sports Lottery bid, provides dedicated space for practical subjects. Science laboratories and performing arts spaces reflect the specialist designations that once funded their development.

Staff development receives genuine priority. The Athelstan Trust provides networking opportunities and comprehensive training. Teachers are supported with workload management to remain highly effective in their roles, a finding explicitly noted in the inspection report.

University progression is strong. In 2024, 54% of leavers progressed to university, with a cohort of 84 students. The remaining students followed varied pathways: 36% moved directly into employment, 4% began apprenticeships, and 1% continued in further education.

Eight students applied to Oxbridge in the most recent measurement period. One secured a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that the highest-achieving students can compete for the most selective courses. The school provides dedicated Oxbridge support through its Excellence Programme and UCAS guidance.

Destination data shows students accessing a wide range of institutions and pathways. Whether pursuing Russell Group universities, specialist colleges, or direct employment, the sixth form provides personalised support. The Ofsted inspection confirmed that destinations at 18, allowing for prior attainment, are above average.

Year 7 applications are coordinated through Wiltshire County Council. The Published Admission Number is 270 places, making Malmesbury School a substantial intake school by local standards. With 321 applications for 231 places in the most recent data, the school is oversubscribed, with 1.39 applications for every place offered.

The school operates a defined catchment area, with detailed maps and postcode lists available on the admissions pages. After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are typically allocated by distance within catchment.

Applications open in the autumn term preceding September entry. The national deadline falls on 31 October, with offers released on National Offer Day in early March. Parents can apply online through Wiltshire Council or request paper forms from Customer Services.

Open days for Year 7 entry are scheduled in September. For 2025 entry, tours run on 16, 17, and 18 September 2025 at multiple times throughout each day: 9:30am, 11:15am, and 1:30pm on most dates. Regular school tours operate Monday to Thursday between 9:30 and 10:15 with the Admissions Officer. Bookings can be made through reception at the school email address.

Sixth form admissions follow a separate process direct to the school. The Sixth Form Open Evening typically falls in early October, with 2024's event on 3 October from 6pm to 8pm. Entry criteria documents outline subject-specific requirements.

In-year admissions for Years 8 to 11 are handled directly by the school's admissions team.

Behaviour at Malmesbury is exceptional. The 2024 Ofsted inspection rated behaviour and attitudes as Outstanding, noting very high expectations and swift action when standards fall below what is expected. This creates calm corridors and focused classrooms.

Personal development also received the highest rating. Students are exceptionally well-supported for their futures, with comprehensive careers guidance and university application support. The house system and rewards programme encourage engagement beyond academic requirements.

Counselling services are available for students requiring additional support. The Learning Support faculty works with those who have special educational needs, coordinating interventions and ensuring appropriate provision. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding and pastoral matters.

The school runs an Advocacy Scheme where students volunteer in peer mentoring, paired reading, and in-class support. This cultivates responsibility and connection between year groups.

Extracurricular provision spans traditional and contemporary interests. Sports clubs include rugby, hockey, football, netball, badminton, and triathlon, alongside less common offerings such as archery, jiu-jitsu, and ultimate frisbee. The Activity Zone, adjacent to the main school site, provides a swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, squash courts, and fitness studios.

Creative arts flourish. Drama productions and concerts showcase student talent throughout the year, drawing on the Performing Arts specialism that shaped facility investment. Music tuition is available for those wanting instrumental lessons.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme operates at all levels. Students develop independence, resilience, and teamwork through expeditions and volunteering.

Academic enrichment extends well beyond the timetable. Robotics club attracts those with STEM interests. The Christian Union provides space for students of faith. Art club and dance offer creative outlets.

International opportunities enrich the curriculum. Exchange visits to France, Germany, and Spain build language skills and cultural understanding. A ski trip runs annually. In 2019, students travelled to Northern India and the Himalayas on a Global Action Expedition, an experience that broadens perspectives significantly.

Students can earn certificates and house points for regular club attendance, encouraging sustained engagement rather than brief participation.

The school operates standard secondary hours, with early finishes at 12:35pm on the final days of term (including 20 December 2024 and 24 July 2025). Transport is coordinated through Wiltshire Council's Education Transport Team, with free or assisted transport available depending on distance and eligibility. The Activity Zone car park provides 150 spaces for those driving to school events.

Term dates follow the Wiltshire Council calendar. The school provides detailed term date information for current and future academic years on its website.

Rural location. Malmesbury is a market town in North Wiltshire. Students from surrounding villages may have significant journey times. Consider transport logistics carefully, particularly for those wishing to access after-school activities.

Comprehensive intake. Unlike grammar schools, Malmesbury takes students of all abilities. The peer group will be mixed, which suits many families but may feel different from highly selective environments. The school's strong value-added suggests it serves all students well.

Scale of the school. At nearly 1,500 students, this is a large school. Some students thrive in larger environments with more social and academic options; others prefer smaller settings with more intimate communities.

Sixth form size. The sixth form cohort of around 84 leavers is modest compared to dedicated sixth form colleges. This brings advantages of closer support but may mean fewer niche A-level subjects than larger providers.

Malmesbury School delivers what it promises: an outstanding comprehensive education in a supportive community setting. The 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed exceptional quality across every measure, from teaching to pastoral care to sixth form provision. Results exceed expectations for a non-selective school, with Progress 8 demonstrating genuine value-added.

Best suited to families within the catchment area who want strong academic outcomes without selection pressure. The school's scale provides opportunity; its values provide grounding. Students here benefit from excellent teaching, extensive extracurricular choice, and a clear pathway to university or employment.

Competition for places is real but not as fierce as urban oversubscribed schools. For families living locally, this represents an outstanding choice.