Pershore High School Review 2026: Sixth Form Excellence Amidst Change

Located on the edge of the historic market town of Pershore, this large mixed comprehensive serves a wide rural catchment in Worcestershire. The school has recently undergone a significant structural evolution, transitioning from a 13-18 high school to a full 11-18 secondary provider. While the most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2024 rated the school Requires Improvement, this headline judgement sits alongside a Sixth Form rated Good and a strong reputation for Personal Development.

The campus on Station Road blends functional educational blocks with modern additions, reflecting its recent expansion. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as calm and purposeful, a sentiment echoed by inspectors who rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Good. The school is organised into a distinct House system with three houses named after explorers: Armstrong, Kingsley, and Magellan. This structure provides a sense of smaller community within the larger student body of over 1,400.

Mr Andrew Nockton has served as Headteacher since September 2023, leading the school through this period of significant change. The school is currently part of the DfE School Rebuilding Programme, with a major £25 million project commencing in summer 2025 to further enhance facilities for the expanded Year 7 intake.

In 2024, the school's performance at GCSE was solid. The Attainment 8 score of 46.1 sat just above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.07 indicates that students make progress slightly above the national average from their starting points.

Ranked 2,286th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school's performance is in line with the middle 35% of schools in England, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

At A-level, the picture is mixed. The school ranks 1,879th in England for A-level outcomes. In 2024, 35.67% of grades were A*-B, which is below the England average of 47.2%. However, the top end remains competitive, with 3.5% of grades at A*.

Teaching quality varies across the school, a key factor in the current Requires Improvement rating. Inspectors noted that while the curriculum is ambitious, it is not yet delivered consistently across all subjects in the main school. In contrast, the Sixth Form provision is rated Good, with students benefiting from subject specialists who deliver rigorous and engaging lessons.

The curriculum has expanded to accommodate the new Year 7 and 8 cohorts, offering a broad range of subjects including Design Technology, Computing, and Performing Arts. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is established, though the 2024 inspection highlighted that curriculum adaptations for these students could be more consistent.

The Sixth Form is a clear strength, acting as a major launchpad for university and employment. In 2024, 53% of leavers progressed to university, including one student who secured a place at Cambridge.

Apprenticeships are also a well-trodden path, with 3% of the cohort choosing this route. Employment figures are substantial at 35%, reflecting strong links with local industry and a practical ethos that prepares students well for the workforce.

Admissions are coordinated by Worcestershire County Council. The school is a popular choice and is currently Oversubscribed for Year 7 entry.

Parents apply via the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) by the national deadline of 31 October. The primary criterion for oversubscription is catchment area, followed by siblings and then distance. Families should note that while the school previously admitted at Year 8, the main entry point is now firmly Year 7.

The House system is central to pastoral care, ensuring every student has a sense of belonging. Vertical tutor groups help mix ages and foster peer support. The 2024 Ofsted report rated Personal Development as Good, highlighting the school's effective work in preparing students for life in modern Britain.

The curriculum includes well-planned Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. Behaviour is generally good, with inspectors noting that students are polite and the environment is orderly.

The extracurricular offer is extensive. The Music department is active, with a choir that performs at the annual Carol Service in Pershore Abbey and opportunities to participate in "Gotta Sing" events.

Sport is a major pillar, with the school benefiting from shared use of the adjacent Leisure Centre. Representative teams compete locally in football, rugby, netball, and athletics. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with large cohorts completing Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, taking advantage of the surrounding Worcestershire countryside.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Transport is a key consideration given the rural catchment; many students rely on school buses or the train service to Pershore station, which is a short walk from the campus.

Ofsted Rating: The school currently holds a Requires Improvement rating from March 2024. While the Sixth Form, Behaviour, and Personal Development were rated Good, families should be aware of the inconsistencies in the quality of education noted by inspectors.

Construction Work: With a £25 million building project starting in 2025, the site will be undergoing significant work. This will ultimately provide state-of-the-art facilities but may cause some disruption in the interim.

Sixth Form Strength: The disparity between the main school rating and the Sixth Form (Good) is worth noting. Families looking for long-term progression will find the post-16 provision particularly strong.

Pershore High School is an institution with clear strengths—particularly in its Sixth Form and student development—balanced against the challenges of a recent restructure. For families in the catchment, it offers a solid, inclusive education with improving facilities. Best suited to students who are resilient and ready to engage with a wide range of opportunities in a school that is effectively rebuilding itself for the future.