Carrington School Review 2026: A Community Hub Focused on Growth and Opportunity

Carrington School is a co-educational state secondary serving the Redhill community in Surrey. Historically known as The Warwick School before its rebranding and academisation in 2021, the school has undergone a significant period of transformation. It now operates as part of the South East Surrey Schools Trust (SESSET), benefiting from a collaborative network of local schools including Therfield and The Ashcombe.

With a capacity for over 1,000 students, Carrington provides a mainstream education for the 11 to 16 age range. It does not have its own sixth form, meaning students typically transition to local colleges or school-based sixth forms at the end of Year 11. The school sits in a suburban setting on Noke Drive, close to the heart of Redhill, and has established a reputation for being an inclusive, community-focused institution that supports students of all abilities.

The atmosphere at Carrington is defined by a sense of fresh energy and rising expectations. Since joining SESSET, the school has worked hard to establish a clear identity centered on its core values: Aspire, Innovate, and Respect. These are visible throughout the campus and integrated into the rewards system, encouraging students to take pride in their personal and academic growth. The school's motto, Ad Astra (To the Stars), represents the high expectations set for every member of the community.

Kerry Oakley (formerly Pryce) has led the school as Headteacher since 2018, overseeing the transition from the old Warwick School identity to the modern Carrington brand. Under her leadership, there has been a palpable shift toward a more structured and ambitious culture. The school operates as a mixed-ability environment where local Redhill families value the approachable nature of the staff and the school's commitment to social development alongside academic progress.

The physical site has seen various updates to reflect this new chapter, including a major building project completed around 2021, creating a professional and orderly environment. Students are expected to adhere to high standards of uniform and conduct, which contributes to a calm and purposeful daily routine.

The school ranks 1912th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 2nd position among secondary schools in Redhill. This performance reflects a solid standing, placing Carrington in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

In the most recent measurement period, students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 45.6. The Progress 8 score of -0.08 suggests that, on average, students make progress that is broadly in line with expectations from their starting points at the end of primary school.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) remains a component of the curriculum for many, with 17.7% of students achieving a grade 5 or above in the EBacc subjects. The average EBacc APS score stands at 4.02, which is very close to the England average of 4.08. These figures indicate that the school provides a reliable academic foundation across the core subjects of English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.

Teaching at Carrington is designed to be inclusive and supportive, catering to a wide spectrum of learning needs. The curriculum is broad, ensuring students have access to a variety of pathways as they approach their GCSEs. In the lower years (Key Stage 3), there is a focus on building a strong foundation in core skills while introducing students to creative and technical subjects.

As students move into Key Stage 4, the options process is managed carefully to ensure students select subjects that align with their future aspirations. Beyond the traditional EBacc route, the school offers a range of vocational and creative qualifications, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to the diverse interests of the cohort. Teachers use regular assessment and feedback to track progress, and there is an increasing emphasis on developing independent learning habits. The latest Ofsted inspection in May 2023 rated the school Good, noting that leaders have corrected historical issues and implemented more ambitious curriculum plans.

Where Students Go Next

As a school for 11 to 16 year olds, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a major milestone. Carrington has strong links with local further education providers, ensuring that students are well informed about their options.

The majority of leavers progress to Reigate College or East Surrey College, both of which are a short distance away and offer a vast array of A-levels, T-levels, and vocational diplomas. Because the school is part of the SESSET trust, students also benefit from pathways to the sixth forms within the trust, such as The Ashcombe School in Dorking. Career guidance is integrated into the school's pastoral programme from Year 7, with a particular focus on 1:1 advice in Year 11 to help students secure appropriate post-16 placements.

Carrington School is a popular choice within Redhill, often operating at or near its capacity. Admissions are coordinated by Surrey County Council.

The demand for places is significant; recent data shows 539 applications were received for approximately 210 places, indicating a subscription proportion of 2.44 applications for every offer made. However, for those who listed the school as their first preference, the school was able to accommodate them, reflecting its role as a primary choice for its immediate community.

Places are typically allocated based on standard state criteria: looked-after children first, followed by siblings of current students, those with exceptional social or medical needs, and then by home-to-school distance. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates to understand their likelihood of securing a place.

Pastoral care is a visible strength at Carrington, with a structure designed to ensure no student is overlooked. The school uses a year-group-based pastoral system, with Heads of Year and tutors providing the first line of support. This is supplemented by a dedicated wellbeing team that can offer more tailored interventions for students facing emotional or social challenges.

The school's "Learning for Life" programme covers essential topics such as mental health awareness, online safety, and healthy relationships. Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and sanctions, with an emphasis on students taking responsibility for their actions. External reviews have confirmed that the school provides a safe and supportive environment where students feel they have trusted adults they can talk to.

The extracurricular life at Carrington is designed to broaden horizons and build confidence. Sport is a significant part of the school's identity, with teams competing in local Surrey leagues for football, netball, rugby, and athletics. The school also offers more unusual options like Ultimate Frisbee.

STEM: Innovation and Technology

The school has a growing focus on STEM initiatives, encouraging students to engage with technology beyond the standard IT curriculum. Clubs like the Robotics Club and a specific STEM Club allow students to experiment with coding and mechanical design. The school also features a Gardening and Nature Club, and a Forest School programme that utilizes the ecology area alongside the Earlswood brook.

Creative arts also play a key role, with a Band, a Singers group, and Musical Theatre for the school musical. Students can also participate in the Debating Society, Dungeons and Dragons Club, or the Chess Club. The "Excellence Programme" is designed to provide cultural capital through various enrichment sessions.

The school day typically runs from 8:40 am to 3:10 pm. The school is well-served by local transport, being within walking distance of Redhill town centre and the major bus routes serving the RH1 and RH2 areas. For those coming from further afield, Redhill railway station is a 15-minute walk away.

While the school does not have a formal catchment boundary, it primarily serves the Redhill, Reigate, Merstham, and Horley areas. Parents are advised that parking on Noke Drive is limited during drop-off and pick-up times, and walking or cycling is strongly encouraged.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Carrington School does not charge tuition fees. It is free for all students. Families may need to consider costs for school uniforms, optional trips, and certain extracurricular equipment. Financial support may be available for families eligible for Pupil Premium or through Surrey County Council's specific funding streams for uniform and meal assistance.

• No on-site Sixth Form: Because the school ends at Year 11, students must be prepared to change institutions for their A-levels or vocational training. While this offers a fresh start, it requires early planning and applications in the autumn of Year 11.
• Recent Transformation: The school has undergone significant change in the last few years under new leadership and a new name. Families should look at recent progress and the school's current culture rather than historical reputations associated with the former Warwick School.
• Oversubscription: With over two applications for every place, the school is popular. While first preferences are often met, families living on the outer edges of Redhill should check distance trends carefully.

Carrington School is a solid, improving secondary that provides a nurturing and ambitious environment for the Redhill community. It successfully balances a structured academic curriculum with strong pastoral care, making it an excellent fit for students who thrive in a supportive, mixed-ability setting. Best suited to local families who want a school that feels like a genuine community hub and provides a clear pathway into the strong further education colleges in Surrey.