John Kyrle High School and Sixth Form Centre Academy Review 2026: Good Rated & Popular

Sitting on the edge of the market town of Ross-on-Wye, John Kyrle High School (JKHS) is the educational anchor for the south of Herefordshire. Named after the philanthropist John Kyrle, known locally as the 'Man of Ross', the school prides itself on being a central pillar of the local community. Following a period of leadership change, the school was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2024, with inspectors praising the "strength of relationships" and "high expectations". It is a large, popular academy where pupils generally feel safe, happy, and well-supported.

At drop-off, the Ledbury Road site bustles with students from across the county and the Forest of Dean. The campus is a mix of eras, from 1970s blocks to the more recent maths centre and music facilities. While it lacks the architectural grandeur of some historic schools, the atmosphere is purposeful and friendly.

Mr Julian Morgan has been Headteacher since September 2022. His tenure has been defined by a clear drive to raise standards and reset the school's culture, a move that parents and inspectors have welcomed. The school motto, Happy, Healthy, Successful, is visible throughout the site and reflects a genuine commitment to wellbeing alongside grades.

The school operates as a single community rather than relying on a divisive house system for competition. Students speak of a calm environment where relationships with staff are respectful. The onsite outcome is a school that feels settled and focused on the future.

Academic performance at GCSE is solid, sitting in line with national expectations. In 2024, the school ranked 1,743rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st locally among secondary schools in the immediate Ross-on-Wye area.

The Attainment 8 score of 46.8 is slightly above the England average of 45.9, suggesting students leave with decent qualifications. However, the Progress 8 score of -0.2 indicates that students make slightly less progress from their primary school starting points than their peers nationally.

In the Sixth Form, results present a mixed picture. The school ranks 1,913th in England for A-level outcomes. While 35.5% of grades were A*-B, this is below the England average of 47.2%. However, for students choosing the vocational or applied routes often available alongside A-levels, outcomes can provide strong pathways into employment.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, maintaining a strong commitment to the arts and languages alongside the core EBacc subjects. Teaching is structured and consistent. In Key Stage 3, students cover a wide range of subjects before narrowing their choices for GCSE.

The school has invested in its learning environment, particularly in science and mathematics. Teachers generally have strong subject knowledge, and the 2024 inspection highlighted that leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a priority, with the Learning Support department working closely to adapt materials for the 18.7% of students achieving grades 5 or above in the EBacc suite.

Destinations for leavers are notably diverse, reflecting the school's comprehensive nature. In 2024, 38% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, including one student securing an offer from Oxbridge and three applying to Cambridge.

However, the school is equally strong on vocational pathways. A significant 35% of leavers moved directly into employment, and 4% started apprenticeships. This high employment figure suggests the school is particularly effective at preparing students for the world of work, leveraging local business connections.

Admissions for Year 7 are coordinated by Herefordshire Council. The school is popular and consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 308 applications for 230 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.3 applications per place.

The deadline for secondary school applications is typically 31 October for entry the following September. Late applications are processed after on-time offers, significantly reducing the chance of a place.

For the Sixth Form, applications are made directly to the school. The priority deadline is usually 31 January. The preferred entrance requirement is five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including mathematics and English, though specific subjects may have higher requirements.

Pastoral care is organised by year group, with Heads of Year staying with their cohort as they move up the school. This ensures continuity and means staff get to know families well. The 'Hub' provides a dedicated space for students needing emotional support or time out from the busy school day.

Safeguarding is robust, a key area praised in the latest inspection. The school has worked hard to ensure students feel they have an adult to talk to, and bullying is reportedly dealt with effectively when it arises.

The extracurricular offer is a clear strength, particularly in sport and music. The Music Department is active and ambitious, with the Jazz Band and School Choir touring regularly and performing at local festivals.

Sporting facilities include an all-weather pitch, tennis courts, and a sports hall. Teams compete in county fixtures for rugby, netball, hockey, and football. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well-established, with large numbers of students completing Bronze and Silver awards, fostering resilience and teamwork.

The school also runs a variety of lunchtime and after-school clubs, ranging from the frantic energy of the Warhammer club to the debate team. Trips are frequent, including ski trips and history tours to Berlin or the battlefields.

This is a state-funded academy, meaning there are no tuition fees for students in Years 7 to 13.

For Sixth Form students, the 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to help with education-related costs such as transport, books, equipment, and field trips. Eligibility is based on financial need, and families should contact the Sixth Form office for specific criteria and application forms.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. A large number of students travel by bus from surrounding villages; the school coordinates with local transport providers to ensure coverage. There is a canteen serving hot food at break and lunch, operating on a cashless system.

Sixth Form Performance: While the Sixth Form offers a supportive environment, A-level top grades (A*-B) are currently lower than the England average. High-flying academic students should check the specific track record for their chosen subjects.

Oversubscription risk: With over 300 applications for 230 places, entry is not guaranteed even for those relatively close by. Families on the periphery of the catchment should have a backup plan.

Rural transport: For families in remote hamlets, reliance on school buses is inevitable. This can limit participation in after-school clubs unless parents can provide transport.

John Kyrle High School is a solid, improving school that serves its community with dedication. It offers a safe, happy environment where students are well-rounded rather than just exam-focused. Best suited to local families seeking a supportive, comprehensive education with strong pastoral care and excellent links to employment. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7.