Somervale School Review 2026: A Specialist Media Arts School in Somerset

The school buildings stand on ground once belonging to Norton House, a Georgian mansion built by coal mine investor Thomas Savage in 1789. A Crimean War memorial obelisk, erected by the Savage family, still stands in the school grounds today. Now, 230 years later, Somervale School has evolved into a thriving mixed comprehensive with specialist status in Media Arts, serving approximately 794 students aged 11 to 18 on a large landscaped site at the edge of Midsomer Norton.

Rated Good by Ofsted in June 2022, Somervale sits in the middle performance band in England, with 794 students currently on roll. The school ranks 2570th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the typical performance category reflecting solid, consistent achievement. At A-level, the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, a joint provision with federated Norton Hill School, ranks 737th in England (FindMySchool ranking), indicating above-average progress into higher education. The school is consistently oversubscribed; in 2024, applications reached 281 for just 141 Year 7 places, a ratio of nearly 2:1 demand.

Past the gates, the character of a school in transition becomes immediately apparent. While the setting honours its historical roots with Victorian and mid-century buildings nestled on grounds with genuine landscape heritage, the energy inside feels contemporary and purposeful. Students move confidently between lessons, and the atmosphere is notably orderly without feeling austere.

The Ofsted inspection report from June 2022 described Somervale as "a happy, caring and accepting school" where "pupils come first" and staff know students well as individuals. Inspectors noted that "pupils enjoy attending school and like the fact that expectations of them in lessons are high." The school places particular emphasis on behaviour, presentation, and care for learning materials; these emerge as genuine cultural features rather than superficial policies.

Ms Joanna Postlethwaite has led the school as Headteacher since September 2016, bringing experience as a senior leader across multiple schools in the South West. Under her leadership, the school has maintained its Good rating across consecutive inspections and has been part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, a 28-school multi-academy trust founded in 2009. The trust's chief executive officer was formerly head of both Somervale and Norton Hill, creating a coherent educational mission across the group. The school emphasises three core values: working hard, being kind, and enjoying learning. These are lived rather than simply displayed, and even casual observation confirms that relationships between staff and students reflect genuine mutual respect.

The specialist Media Arts status is not simply a designation on paper; it shapes curriculum decisions and extra-curricular opportunities. The presence of Somer Valley FM, a local community radio station broadcast from the former school caretaker's house on-site, provides students with genuine hands-on media experience and opportunities to gain radio broadcasting training. This integration of real-world media production into the fabric of school life sets Somervale apart from purely academic competitors.

GCSE Performance

The school's GCSE results reflect steady, consistent progress. In 2024, the Attainment 8 score stood at 43.3, positioned directly in line with the England average of 45.9. This indicates that while the school matches national norms, it has not significantly exceeded them in terms of raw grade achievement. Only 9% of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate at grades 5 or above, well below the England average of around 40%, though the school notes that uptake of EBacc subjects has been improving in recent years following curriculum developments in modern foreign languages.

The school ranks 2570th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the typical performance band, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. Within the local Radstock area, the school holds 4th position, a solid local standing that reflects reliable achievement without exceptional standout performance.

Progress 8 is marginally positive at +0.01, indicating that pupils make progress broadly in line with expectations based on their prior attainment. This suggests the school successfully supports students of varying abilities but does not demonstrably accelerate progress for any particular cohort. Inspectors noted that assessment practices require further consistency across subjects; some pupils spend time on material they have already mastered, which slows progress through the curriculum.

A-Level Performance

The Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, jointly operated with Norton Hill School but with teaching across both sites, delivered solid A-level outcomes in 2024. 7% of grades reached A*, 23% reached A, and 30% reached B, creating an A*-B combined figure of 60%. This compares favourably to the England average of 47%, indicating that sixth form students genuinely outperform the national norm at the upper grade boundaries.

The sixth form ranks 737th in England for A-level attainment (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the typical performance band. Second locally within the Radstock area, this reflects the sixth form's standing as a credible destination for post-16 study. Sixth form progression rates indicate that 68% of 2024 leavers (a cohort of 19 students) progressed to university, 21% entered employment, and 5% began apprenticeships. No students pursued further education, though the small cohort size means these figures require cautious interpretation.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection highlighted that teachers explain subject content clearly and guide pupils so they can complete work successfully. Each subject follows a carefully sequenced curriculum, with knowledge and skills taught in deliberate order to allow learning to build over time. Teachers pay particular attention to the vocabulary and terminology pupils need in order to explain themselves clearly, representing significant work by leaders to develop oracy and literacy across the curriculum.

Behaviour is described as a genuine strength. Lessons are not disrupted by poor conduct. Students take pride in their work, demonstrate care in presentation of books and folders, and consistently try their best. This reflects not authoritarian control but rather a genuine cultural agreement about how to work together productively. Setting in mathematics begins in Year 4 of the secondary school (Year 9 in England), allowing more targeted instruction. Modern foreign languages has improved, with an increasing proportion of students now choosing languages as part of the English Baccalaureate qualification.

Pupils transitioning from primary school to secondary are supported through structured programme. They "hit the ground running," as inspectors noted, thanks to careful liaison with primary partner schools. The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, who receive all the teaching to which they are entitled plus a broad range of subject choice in Years 10 and 11. Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities benefit from adapted provision; the school reports supporting 5% of students with SEN statements and EHC plans.

University and Employment Destinations

Leavers from the joint sixth form in 2024 demonstrated diverse progression routes. 68% progressed to university, while 21% entered employment and 5% began apprenticeships. The small cohort size (19 students) means these figures must be treated as illustrative rather than definitive, but they indicate that most sixth form completers do progress to higher education or structured career pathways.

The 2022 Ofsted report noted that the school provides a well-planned personal, social, health, careers and citizenship curriculum throughout students' time at Somervale. This ensures all pupils receive guidance on progression options from Year 7 onwards, not just at the critical sixth form decision point.

Secondary Progression

For Year 11 completers, progression to sixth form study occurs either at Somervale's own provision or at the joint Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, shared with Norton Hill School. The sixth form operates on a collaborative basis, with teaching delivered across both sites and students technically on roll at one school or the other but accessing a shared curriculum. This model allows the two schools to sustain a credible range of A-level subjects despite smaller sixth forms than traditionally large secondary schools maintain independently.

The school's extra-curricular programme is structured, extensive, and genuine. Rather than offering dozens of generic activities, the school provides discrete, well-organised clubs with named staff and clear purposes. These opportunities directly reflect the school's specialist Media Arts status and its commitment to developing the whole student.

Media Arts and Broadcasting

Somer Valley FM, the on-site community radio station broadcasting from the former caretaker's house, provides authentic work experience in radio production. Students gain hands-on training in broadcasting, technical operation, and content production. This is not simulation or classroom learning; the station reaches the local community and students are genuinely responsible for output. This integration of real-world media production distinguishes Somervale from schools where media remains purely academic.

The 2022 Ofsted report noted explicitly that pupils benefit from "a broad range of additional activities, including many clubs and educational visits." The inspector who observed the school's daily operations saw clubs operating regularly and educational visits integrated throughout the year.

Duke of Edinburgh Award and Expeditions

The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme operates at Bronze and Silver level. Students can begin in Year 9 and work through the academic year to complete their undertakings in Skills, Physical Activity, and Volunteering. Beyond these three formal sections, students engage in camp skills, navigation, food preparation, and route planning to prepare for practice and final expeditions across two weekends. Many students go on to complete the Silver and Gold awards throughout their secondary and sixth form education.

The school also operates an annual residential week at Swanage during the final week of the summer term, offering what students describe as "real camp life experience." This is complemented by in-school activities during Activities Week, including Spanish cookery, music technology, art and textiles, mathematical investigations, and English and media projects. Day visit options include paddleboarding, visits to Longleat wildlife park, Splashdown water park, Brean beach adventures, Sandbanks, the Bristol Hippodrome, bowling, and Go Ape tree courses.

Student Leadership and Wellbeing

The Boys Group provides boys with a dedicated platform to discuss issues of concern at school. Meets at 1pm on Thursdays, led by staff including Mr Batten, Mr Kehoe, Mr Kelly, and Mr Holt. The group aims to ensure student voices are heard, positive changes are made, and boys feel "happy, safe, supported and respected." Beyond formal discussion, it serves as a social space where students from different year groups interact and offer mutual support.

Language and Translation

Translation Club, meeting Wednesday afternoons at 1pm, develops language skills through translation of varied texts including poetry, songs, fiction, and non-fiction. The club enters the prestigious Anthea Bell Prize for Translation, run by the University of Oxford, where it has achieved previous national and regional success. The club is open to all, demonstrating that language specialisation is accessible rather than exclusive.

Environmental Leadership

Eco Club works to improve the school and local area's sustainability through targeted environmental initiatives. The group has improved the woodland nature reserve in the central courtyard, grown oak saplings for replanting around the campus, and conducts regular litter picks across the school grounds. It invites external experts to deliver workshops on environmental issues, ensuring students learn from specialists rather than relying solely on peer knowledge.

Facilities and Spaces

The school occupies a large attractively landscaped site with specialist accommodation including media suites, design facilities, and performance spaces. Access to south Somerset's educational resources includes outdoor education opportunities and partnerships with local attractions for field-based learning.

Drama, Music and Arts

The specialist Media Arts status is supported by dedicated facilities and teaching. The Ofsted report highlighted that pupils have access to "a broad range of subjects to choose from," including performance options.

How to Apply

All admissions to Year 7 for September entry must be submitted through Bath and North East Somerset Local Authority's coordinated admissions system, not directly to the school. The exception is in-year admissions made after the school year begins. This standard process applies to all state schools in the authority.

Transition Support

The school operates a comprehensive transition programme. All prospective Year 6 students and families are invited to an Open Evening in September, where they tour the school and gain a sense of life in secondary education. Year 6 transition day provides hands-on experience of lessons and routines. In the summer term prior to entry, senior and pastoral staff visit all Year 6 students coming to Somervale at their primary schools.

A summer school is held during the summer holidays, allowing students to meet their future classmates and participate in varied activities easing transition into September. In Term 2 of Year 7, all new students experience a residential programme at the Forest of Dean Study Centre. The core purpose is to build the tutor group into a mutually supportive team; the Year 7 tutor accompanies the group to facilitate relationship building.

Parents report highly positive experiences. One parent wrote, "My child's transition from primary school was handled in a very sensitive and professional manner and there was a great deal of interaction leading up to the big day. As a result, she has had an excellent start to her secondary education, her confidence has grown considerably and we are delighted with her progress."

Transport

The Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership runs a coach service from the Timsbury area, with places reserved on a first come, first served basis at the beginning of the academic year. Payment is managed through ParentPay. For other transport enquiries within Bath and North East Somerset, families should contact the local authority directly.

School day

8:50am to 3:20pm for Years 7-11. Sixth form students follow the timetable of the joint Midsomer Norton Sixth Form.

Location

Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2JD, on the outskirts of Bath and the edge of Somerset.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. The school is funded by the Department for Education through Bath and North East Somerset Local Authority.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection confirmed that safeguarding arrangements are effective. The school has a strong safeguarding culture. Leaders know pupils well. There are clear systems to record and report safeguarding concerns so that pupils who need help are supported quickly. Leaders work with safeguarding partners effectively, staff receive detailed and up-to-date training, and the school follows safer recruitment procedures and maintains detailed records. Pupils are educated about safeguarding risks and know how to seek help if needed.

Bullying is not tolerated. Discrimination is not accepted. The school is described as a welcoming place where pupils feel comfortable to be themselves. Staff deal with any concerns quickly and effectively, and pupils are confident in school's response.

The personal, social, health, and citizenship curriculum is well-planned throughout the school. It is complemented by a variety of enrichment activities that enhance the educational experience. Pupils are encouraged to embrace diversity and show respect for one another. The school recently achieved the Good Equalities Award from Equaliteach in recognition of excellent work around equality and diversity.

Assessment consistency: The 2022 Ofsted inspection identified that assessment is not used consistently across all subjects. Some pupils spend too much time studying content they have already mastered, which slows their progress through the curriculum. Leaders have committed to ensuring assessment is used more effectively so teachers can adapt learning to match what pupils actually know. This is an area where the school is actively working to improve, but it remains a caveat for parents considering this school for students who learn at different paces.

Performance in context: GCSE attainment sits directly at England average. The school is not among the highest performers; it is among the solid middle band. For families seeking demonstrably exceptional academic outcomes, Somervale may underdeliver compared to schools ranking in the top 15% in England. However, the school's value lies in its solid teaching, strong behaviour culture, and genuinely supportive community rather than in exceptional academic firepower.

Sixth form provision: The sixth form is jointly operated with Norton Hill School. While this allows credible subject breadth through shared resources, it means some teaching happens off-site. Students at Somervale access some A-level teaching at the Norton Hill site. Parents should be aware that post-16 study involves movement between two campuses rather than contained single-site provision.

Somervale School delivers a consistent, caring education in a genuinely supportive community. The school is not a high-flying grammar equivalent; it is a comprehensive secondary that serves its locality well, maintains genuine pastoral relationships, and sustains reliable academic progress. The specialist Media Arts status provides meaningful curricular enrichment, and the integration of Somer Valley FM radio station brings authenticity to media education that most schools cannot replicate. Behaviour is genuinely strong, and the atmosphere is orderly and positive.

Best suited to families within or near the Midsomer Norton area who want a mixed-ability school with strong pastoral care, clear expectations, and genuine community feel. The school's oversubscription means entry depends partly on proximity to the school gates. For students who thrive in medium-sized schools where they are known as individuals rather than just roll numbers, Somervale offers genuine appeal. The main challenge is securing a place; for those who do, the education on offer is solid, consistent, and genuinely supportive.