Baylis Court School Review 2026: Inspiring Leaders of Tomorrow

Located in Slough, a town dominated by the selective grammar school system, Baylis Court School offers a compelling alternative: a non-selective, high-performing academy for girls that consistently delivers progress well above the national average. With a motto of "Inspiring Leaders of Tomorrow," the school actively positions itself not just as a place of examination preparation, but as a training ground for confident, articulate young women.

The school holds Specialist Arts status, a distinction that shapes its identity. While academic rigour is central—evidenced by a Progress 8 score of +0.6—the creative arts provide a vital counterbalance, fostering self-expression and public speaking skills that are evident throughout the student body.

The campus sits on Gloucester Avenue, adjacent to the historic Grade I listed Baylis House. While the school buildings themselves are a mix of mid-century and modern purpose-built blocks, the setting retains a sense of history. The atmosphere is calm, purposeful, and distinctly supportive. Ofsted inspectors have described the school as a "safe haven" where pupils feel happy and safe, a crucial quality in an urban setting.

Principal Mrs Christine MacInnes leads with a clear vision centred on three core values: Kindness, Inquisitiveness, and Resilience. These are not merely slogans; they are embedded in the school's "Baylis Woman" ethos, which encourages students to take ownership of their future. The Student Leadership Team is highly visible, with Head Girls and prefects taking active roles in running the school community, reinforcing the message that leadership is for everyone, not just the adults.

Academically, Baylis Court punches well above its weight. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.6. This positive score indicates that students here make significantly better progress from their primary school starting points than they would be expected to achieve nationally.

The school ranks 1,023rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools in England (national strong band). In Slough, it ranks 10th, a respectable position given the high density of selective grammar schools in the borough.

Attainment is equally solid. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 55.6 in 2024, notably higher than the England average of 45.9. Over 21% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), ensuring a broad academic foundation in languages, humanities, and sciences.

As a Specialist Arts Academy, the curriculum is broad and creative. While the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science are taught with rigour, the arts are given genuine prominence. Dance, Drama, and Music are not sidelines but central pillars of the school's offer, used to build confidence and oracy.

Teaching is rated Good by Ofsted (March 2022). Inspectors noted that teachers have strong subject knowledge and high expectations. The focus on literacy is relentless; students are encouraged to speak in full sentences and articulate their ideas clearly in every subject, from History to Science. This "calling it out" culture ensures that students are not passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in their learning.

The school's aspirational culture translates into strong destination data. In 2024, 69% of Sixth Form leavers progressed to university, a figure that reflects the academic focus of the post-16 provision.

Pathways are diverse. While many students choose local universities, the most able secure places at elite institutions. In the most recent cohort, one student secured a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that the pathway to Oxbridge is open for those with the aptitude and drive. The Sixth Form team provides dedicated guidance for UCAS applications, while 11% of leavers moved directly into employment and 2% into apprenticeships.

Baylis Court is a popular choice and is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, the school received 284 applications for just 158 places in Year 7, resulting in 1.8 applications for every seat.

Admissions are coordinated by Slough Borough Council. Uniquely for a comprehensive school, Baylis Court selects up to 10% of its intake based on aptitude in the performing arts (Dance, Drama, or Music). Families interested in this route must register for the aptitude workshops, typically held in October, before the main application deadline.

For the remaining places, priority is given to looked-after children and siblings, followed by distance from the school. The last distance offered varies annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The school prides itself on its pastoral support. The system is organised by Year Group, ensuring that Heads of Year can track the academic and social progress of their cohort closely.

Wellbeing is supported by the "Hub," a dedicated space for students who may be feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed. The school's values of Kindness and Resilience are the bedrock of the pastoral approach. Ofsted noted that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively when it does occur. The PSHE curriculum is robust, tackling issues from online safety to mental health with age-appropriate candour.

The extracurricular life at Baylis Court is vibrant and heavily influenced by its arts specialism. The annual school production is a major event, involving hundreds of students on stage and behind the scenes. Choirs, dance troupes, and drama clubs run weekly, providing outlets for creativity.

Debating is another key strength. The school participates in the Debate Mate competition, where students hone their public speaking skills against other schools. This reinforces the leadership ethos, teaching students to construct arguments and speak with conviction.

Sport is also well-represented, with netball, trampolining, and football clubs popular among students. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme offers opportunities for outdoor adventure and community service, with many girls completing Bronze and Silver awards.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Located in Cippenham, the site is easily accessible via local bus routes from Slough town centre. Parents are encouraged to use public transport or drop off away from the immediate school gates to reduce congestion.

Selective Surroundings: Slough is a fully selective authority. While Baylis Court achieves excellent progress, parents should be aware that the local context is dominated by the 11-plus. Baylis Court offers a different, non-selective route that still leads to high outcomes.

Oversubscription: Securing a place is not guaranteed. With nearly two applicants for every place, families living outside the immediate catchment area should have realistic backup options.

Arts Focus: The Specialist Arts status is real. Students who have no interest in creative subjects may find the emphasis on performance and oracy intense, although the academic core remains traditional and rigorous.

Baylis Court School demonstrates that a non-selective education in a grammar school town can be consistently excellent. It combines the warmth of a supportive community with the ambition of a high-performing academy. Best suited to girls who will thrive in a creative, empowering environment that expects them to lead, speak up, and succeed. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular school.