Whitstone School Review 2026: A Community Academy with Creative Ambition

Whitstone School is a compact, inclusive secondary academy serving the market town of Shepton Mallet and its surrounding Somerset villages. With a capacity of 625 students, it maintains a smaller footprint than many modern secondaries, which contributes to its reputation as a close knit community where staff know their students well. The school serves an 11 to 16 age range, meaning students typically move on to local colleges or sixth forms for post 16 study.

Following its latest Ofsted inspection, the school has retained its Good rating, with inspectors highlighting the respectful relationships between students and staff and the clear, ambitious curriculum. The school joined the White Horse Federation multi academy trust in 2021, a move that has brought additional stability and shared resources to the Charlton Road campus.

The atmosphere at Whitstone is one of quiet purpose. The school occupies a site that blends functional mid century architecture with updated facilities, including the specialist Whitstone Academy of Arts. This creative focus is a defining pillar of the school's identity, providing students with professional grade spaces for dance, drama, and music.

Matthew Pike became the Headteacher in September 2025, succeeding Guy Swallow. His leadership continues the focus on "Whitstone's World," a concept that encourages students to be aspirational and community minded. The school operates a four house system (Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrines, and Kestrels) which provides the structure for internal competitions and pastoral support.

Unlike larger urban schools, Whitstone retains a rural, local feel. Many students arrive via school buses from the Mendip Hills and outlying villages like Evercreech or Ditcheat, creating a student body that is deeply rooted in the Somerset landscape.

Whitstone School ranks 1st in Shepton Mallet for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), outperforming its nearest local competitors in progress and attainment scores. At a national level, the school ranks 2384th in England, placing its performance in the elite tier (top 51% of schools in England).

The Attainment 8 score for the most recent measured cohort was 43.6. More importantly for parents, the Progress 8 score of +0.06 indicates that students at Whitstone make progress that is slightly above the England average from their starting points in primary school. Approximately 12.5% of students achieved grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, reflecting the school's balanced approach between core academics and its significant creative pathways.

The curriculum at Whitstone is designed to provide breadth while ensuring students are prepared for the rigours of post 16 education. In the lower years (Years 7 to 9), students follow a varied programme that includes the standard core subjects alongside Spanish, Technology, and the Arts.

Teaching is underpinned by the White Horse Federation's shared pedagogical frameworks, which emphasise retrieval practice and clear learning intentions. External observations confirm that teachers have strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, which helps students to build their understanding over time.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a significant milestone. The majority of students progress to further education, with 96% of recent leavers staying in education or employment. The most popular destinations are local further education colleges, particularly Strode College in Street, which attracts around 83% of the cohort. A small percentage of students (approximately 2%) secure places in school sixth forms further afield.

The school provides a well planned careers programme starting in Year 8 to help students navigate these choices.

Whitstone is currently oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity as the primary secondary choice for Shepton Mallet families. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 116 applications for its places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.22.

As a community academy, admissions are coordinated by Somerset Council. Priority is given to looked after children, siblings of current students, and those living in the designated catchment area. Parents should note that while the school serves a wide geographic area, those living outside the immediate Shepton Mallet vicinity should check transport links and priority tiers on the Somerset Council admissions portal. For 2026 entry, the application deadline was 31 October 2025, with offers released on 02 March 2026.

With its smaller than average intake, Whitstone prides itself on its pastoral care. The house system provides a primary layer of support, with tutors acting as the first point of contact for families. Recent inspection findings noted that students feel safe and well supported, with staff being proactive in addressing any concerns about bullying or social pressure.

The school has a dedicated Wellbeing Hub, providing a quiet space for students who may need additional emotional support during the school day. This is staffed by trained professionals who work closely with the SENCO to ensure that students with additional needs are fully integrated into school life.

Extracurricular life at Whitstone is heavily influenced by its specialist arts status. The Whitstone Academy of Arts provides opportunities that go beyond the standard school play, including professional dance showcases and music technology workshops.

Sporting life is equally active, with the school utilising its on site leisure centre facilities, which include a large sports hall and outdoor courts. Competitive fixtures are held regularly against other Mendip schools in football, netball, and athletics. The school also runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which is popular among students in Years 9 and 10, encouraging resilience and outdoor skills in the nearby Somerset countryside.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. For students travelling from outlying villages, several dedicated school bus routes operate, though parking around the Charlton Road site can be constrained during drop off times. The school is a short walk from the centre of Shepton Mallet, and many local students walk or cycle to school. Cycling is encouraged, with secure bike storage available on the school site.

Fees & Financial Aid

Whitstone School is a state funded academy; there are no tuition fees. Parents should budget for incidental costs such as school uniforms, optional extracurricular trips, and materials for certain practical subjects. Financial support may be available for families eligible for Pupil Premium, which can help cover the cost of school meals and certain educational activities.

• No on site sixth form. As an 11 to 16 school, students must transition to a new environment after Year 11. Families should consider if their child will thrive with this mid teen change.
• Creative focus. The school ranks well locally, but its curriculum prioritises creative and vocational choices alongside core subjects.
• Rural transport reliance. For families in the smaller Mendip villages, participation in after school clubs can be dependent on parents providing transport, as school bus schedules typically coincide with the end of the standard school day.

Whitstone School offers a supportive and creatively rich environment that suits students who may feel overwhelmed by larger, more anonymous secondary schools. Its position as the top performing school in Shepton Mallet makes it a robust choice for local families. Best suited to students who want to be part of a close knit community and those with an interest in the performing or creative arts.