Trinity School occupies a leafy campus in the Shaw area of Newbury, serving as a cornerstone of the local secondary and post-16 educational landscape. As a mixed-gender state academy, it provides a comprehensive education for approximately 1,200 students. The school is led by Executive Headteacher Dr. Charlotte Wilson, who oversees the school as part of the Newbury Academy Trust.
The school's performance reflects a consistent and reliable academic environment. In 2024, Trinity was ranked 2,255th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). This "national typical" standing is complemented by strong local roots and a reputation for being an inclusive, ambitious environment where students are encouraged to reach their personal best.
The atmosphere at Trinity School is one of quiet determination. The school’s motto, Personal Excellence and Collective Responsibility, is visible not just in its literature but in the way students and staff interact. Following a routine Ofsted inspection in February 2024, inspectors highlighted the excellent relationships between staff and students and the inclusive nature of the learning environment.
Students are organized into a house system Pegasus, Phoenix, Dragon, and Griffin which helps create smaller, supportive communities within the larger school structure. This system fosters a sense of belonging and healthy competition, while also providing a framework for pastoral support. The campus itself blends modern specialized facilities with open green spaces, creating a setting that feels both professional and welcoming.
Academic performance at Trinity tells a story of steady progress. For 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 45.4, which sits close to the England average. Within its local context, the school ranks 6th in Newbury for GCSE outcomes.
The Progress 8 score of +0.12 indicates that students at Trinity make above-average progress from their starting points compared to students nationally. This suggests that the teaching is effective at adding value, regardless of a student's baseline ability. In 2024, 75% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in English, and 68% reached the same milestone in Mathematics.
At A-level, the school serves a broad range of ambitions. In 2024, 45% of students achieved A* to B grades, and 77% secured A* to C. These results place Trinity 5th locally in Newbury for post-16 outcomes and 1,537th in England. The school’s sixth form is well-regarded for its ability to help students secure their first-choice university placements.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
42.11%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Trinity is designed to be broad and rich, enabling students to thrive both personally and academically. The school emphasizes "deep dives" into key subjects such as English, Science, Geography, and the Performing Arts to ensure the curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced.
Teachers are recognized for their subject expertise, particularly in how they help students connect knowledge over time. In 2024, a notable 100% of students in Triple Science achieved a grade 4 or above, reflecting high standards in the STEM subjects. The school also operates specialized units for students with dyslexia and learning difficulties (ACE Unit) and an ASD Unit for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ensuring that the curriculum is accessible to all learners.
Trinity School has a strong track record of helping students transition to their next steps. In the 16 to 18 cohort for 2024, 100% of students continued in education, training, or moved into employment.
University remains the most popular destination for leavers, with nearly half of the cohort progressing to higher education. In the most recent measurement period, the school’s academic rigour was evidenced by two students applying to Oxbridge, with one student successfully securing a place at the University of Cambridge. For those choosing to enter the workforce, the school has a strong record of students gaining higher-level apprenticeships or full-time employment in the local Berkshire economy.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
Admissions to Trinity are coordinated by West Berkshire Council. The school is consistently popular and often oversubscribed. For the 2024 intake, the school received 447 applications for its 221 places, representing a subscription proportion of 2.02 applications for every available seat.
The application deadline for Year 7 entry in September 2026 was 31 October 2025, with National Allocation Day set for 2 March 2026. For external sixth form applicants, the deadline is typically mid-January. Parents interested in future years should note that the school operates a catchment area policy, though priority is also given to siblings and children from trust primary schools like Fir Tree and Speenhamland.
As a state-funded academy, Trinity School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all students aged 11 to 18.
Families may need to budget for auxiliary costs such as school uniform, elective trips, and specialized music tuition. For those eligible, the school provides support through the Pupil Premium fund, and sixth form students may apply for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund to help with the costs of books, equipment, and travel.
Applications
447
Total received
Places Offered
221
Subscription Rate
2.0x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is a significant strength, with a structure designed to ensure every student is known and supported. The Senior Leadership Team includes a Deputy Headteacher specifically for pastoral care, alongside a robust team of Heads of House and Heads of Year.
The 2024 Ofsted report noted that students enjoy school and take advantage of the many opportunities available to them. Safeguarding is effective, with a positive culture that puts students' interests first. The school’s use of an Isolation Unit for behavior management is handled with a focus on keeping students learning, even when away from the main classroom environment.
Extracurricular life at Trinity is vibrant, with a particular emphasis on the arts and physical activity. The school holds specialist status as a Performing Arts College, which is reflected in the high quality of its drama and music productions.
STEM subjects are well-supported beyond the timetable. Students can engage in various science and technology challenges, and the school’s facilities support a rigorous approach to experimental work. The 100% pass rate in Triple Science in 2024 underscores the success of these initiatives.
Sports are also a major pillar of school life, with students representing the school in football, rugby, netball, and athletics. The school encourages "Character Education" through these activities, helping students develop resilience and teamwork.
The school day begins at 8:40 am and concludes at 3:10 pm. Trinity is well-served by local transport links within Newbury, though many students walk or cycle from the surrounding Shaw and Donnington areas. The school provides detailed information on term dates and early finish days for parents' evenings on its official website.
Trinity School is a balanced, community-focused academy that excels at adding value to its students' education. With its "Good" Ofsted rating recently reaffirmed in 2024 and strong progress scores, it provides a stable and ambitious environment for students of all abilities. It is best suited to families in the Newbury area who want a school that offers both academic rigour and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities in the arts and sports.
Yes, Trinity School is rated "Good" by Ofsted, a judgement reaffirmed in February 2024. Inspectors praised its inclusive culture and the ambitious learning environment that prepares students well for their next steps.
In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 45.4. Notably, its Progress 8 score of +0.12 shows that students make better progress than the national average from their starting points in Year 7.
Yes, Trinity has an active sixth form offering a wide choice of A-level and vocational subjects. In 2024, 77% of A-level students achieved grades A* to C, and 100% of leavers stayed in education or moved into employment.
Applications for Year 7 are made through the West Berkshire Council coordinated admissions scheme. The deadline is 31 October each year for the following September's intake.
Yes, the school has extensive provision for Special Educational Needs, including an ACE Unit for dyslexia and an ASD Unit for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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