Wexham School Review 2026: Community and Ambition in Slough

In a borough defined by its intense selection and grammar school culture, Wexham School stands as a determined, non-selective community hub. Located on the northern fringe of Slough, the school serves a diverse catchment where over 40 languages are spoken. It positions itself not as an exam factory but as a supportive environment "Ambitious for All", striving to offer stability and opportunity in a competitive educational landscape.

The campus on Norway Drive presents a mix of eras, typical of schools that have expanded with their communities since its opening in 1987. Recent years have seen significant investment, most notably the Woodside Building which opened in 2018. This addition provided 29 new classrooms, a modern library, and a dedicated Sixth Form study area, replacing older structures with modern learning spaces.

Mr Lawrence Smith has led the school for over a decade. His long tenure provides continuity in a sector often marked by leadership churn. Under his guidance, the school has maintained a focus on inclusivity. The ethos here is distinct from the high-pressure academic hothouses nearby; there is a tangible emphasis on knowing each student as an individual.

The school operates a house system—with houses such as Seacole, Turing, and Pankhurst—which fosters a sense of belonging within the larger student body of 1,200.

Academic outcomes at Wexham reflect the challenges of a non-selective intake in a highly selective borough. In 2024, the school's Progress 8 score of -0.83 indicates that students, on average, made less progress from their starting points than their peers nationally.

The school ranks 3,443rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 19th in Slough, placing it in the lower tier of schools nationally. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 36.6 (England average: 46.2). In terms of core subjects, 4.8% of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate at grade 5 or above.

While the raw data sits below national averages, it is important to view these figures in the context of the local selective system, which skews the intake of non-selective schools in the area.

The curriculum is broad, maintaining breadth where others might narrow focus. Key Stage 3 covers three years (Years 7-9), ensuring students have a solid grounding before selecting options. The most recent Ofsted inspection in May 2023 rated the school Good, noting that leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum that is well-planned and delivered.

Classes are mixed ability in lower years for many subjects, with setting introduced in core subjects as students progress. The school places a heavy emphasis on literacy, recognising the high proportion of students with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

The Sixth Form is inclusive, offering a blend of A-levels and vocational qualifications. It is smaller than average, which allows for small seminar-style classes. A-level results in 2024 showed 8.98% of grades at A*-B, with the school ranking 2,541st in England for A-level outcomes.

While top grades are rarer here than in the local grammar schools, the value-added for students pursuing vocational pathways is often a strength. The curriculum is designed to support progression to employment and apprenticeships as much as university.

Destinations data highlights the school's focus on practical outcomes. In 2024, 33% of leavers progressed to university. A significant proportion, 28%, moved directly into employment, and 6% began apprenticeships. This profile suggests a school that supports varied pathways rather than a singular focus on higher education.

Admission to Wexham School is coordinated by Slough Borough Council. As a non-selective community school, there are no entrance exams.

The school is popular locally and was oversubscribed for the 2024 intake, receiving 293 applications for roughly 200 places. This resulted in 1.5 applications for every place.

When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those with siblings at the school, and then distance from the school gate. The catchment is essentially a distance-based radius around the Norway Drive site. Families should apply by the national deadline of 31 October for Year 7 entry.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the Wexham offer. The school recognises the complex needs of its community and invests heavily in support structures. Each year group is led by a Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Leader, ensuring that there is always someone available to deal with issues immediately.

The school holds the 'Wellbeing Award for Schools', reflecting its structured approach to mental health. Students report feeling safe, and bullying is dealt with effectively when it occurs.

The extracurricular programme is robust, particularly in sport. The extensive on-site facilities, including the Sports Hall and floodlit astro pitches, allow for a wide range of clubs from football and basketball to cricket and netball.

The Arts and Community

Beyond sport, the school encourages creativity. The annual school production is a highlight of the calendar, involving students from all year groups. There are active clubs for art, drama, and science. The "Wexham Leadership Academy" gives students opportunities to lead community projects, fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Breakfast club is available from 8:00am, offering students a calm start to the day. The school is located in Wexham, accessible via local bus routes from Slough town centre.

Results context. Families should review the academic data with open eyes. The Progress 8 score is below the England average. However, this must be weighed against the school's inclusive ethos and the local selective context which impacts the intake profile.

Selective area. Slough has a grammar school system. Wexham is a non-selective school. Parents often choose Wexham for its supportive environment rather than the high-pressure academic atmosphere of the grammars.

Latest Inspection. The school was inspected in May 2023 and retained its Good rating. The report highlights the friendly and inclusive nature of the school, but parents should always visit to see current standards for themselves.

Wexham School plays a vital role in the Slough ecosystem, offering a stable, supportive, and well-resourced education for the local community. It does not compete on raw exam statistics with the nearby grammars, but instead offers an inclusive environment where pastoral care is prioritised. Best suited to students who will thrive in a diverse, supportive community school rather than a pressure-cooker academic environment. The main challenge is the below-average progress data, which families should weigh against the school's evident pastoral strengths.