The Commonweal School Review 2026: The Creative Heart of Old Town

Sitting high on the hill in Swindon’s Old Town, The Commonweal School is more than just a local comprehensive; it is a cultural institution. Established in 1927, the school combines a distinct sense of heritage with a forward-looking, liberal ethos. It is heavily oversubscribed, drawing families not just for its academic stability—ranking in the middle 35% of schools in England—but for its renowned performing arts culture and inclusive atmosphere. With around 1,400 students, including a thriving Sixth Form (C6), it feels bustling, creative, and community-focused.

The red-brick façade on The Mall suggests a traditional grammar, but the atmosphere inside is decidedly modern and expressive. The school’s name—referencing the 'common good'—is woven into its fabric. The motto, Upon the Good of Each Depends the Good of All, is not merely recited but lived; students often describe a culture where individuality is celebrated rather than suppressed.

Mr Charles Drew, appointed Headteacher in September 2021, leads with a focus on kindness and community responsibility. Under his tenure, the school has maintained its reputation as a nurturing environment while pushing for greater academic consistency.

The site itself is a mix of the original 1920s architecture and modern additions, including the purpose-built C6 Sixth Form centre. The geography of Old Town means the campus is compact and split-level, creating a busy, energetic feel during transitions. Music is the school’s beating heart; visitors are as likely to hear a jazz band rehearsal as they are a bell ringing.

Academic outcomes are solid, placing the school in the 'national typical' band, which reflects performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.

At GCSE in 2024, the school ranked 2,232nd in England (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 11th among secondary providers in Swindon. The Average Attainment 8 score of 44.9 sits just below the England average of 45.9.

In the Sixth Form, performance is stronger relative to local competitors. Ranked 1,474th in England and 4th in Swindon for A-level outcomes, the school sees students securing respectable grades. In 2024, 42.64% of grades were A*-B, slightly below the England average of 47.2%. The value here lies not in elite hothousing but in consistent, reliable progress for a mixed-ability intake.

The curriculum is broad, resisting the narrowing seen in some state schools. While the English Baccalaureate is available (with 13.1% achieving strong passes in the full suite), the school champions the arts and humanities equally alongside STEM subjects.

Teaching tends to be engaging and relationship-driven. In Key Stage 3, students follow a wide roster including Drama, Music, and Design Technology. By Sixth Form, the C6 centre offers over 25 courses, blending traditional A-levels like Mathematics and English Literature with vocational options, reflecting the school’s inclusive academic approach.

Destinations reflect the diverse intake. In 2024, 40% of leavers progressed to university, while 27% entered employment directly. This employment figure is significantly higher than the national norm, suggesting strong links with local industry and commerce.

For the academic high-flyers, pathways to elite institutions exist but are less trodden than at selective neighbours. In 2024, one student secured a place at Oxford or Cambridge, and two applications were made to Cambridge. The school supports these aspirations, but the pressure to attend 'Russell Group or bust' is refreshingly absent.

Entry to The Commonweal School is fiercely competitive. It is one of the most oversubscribed schools in Swindon. In the most recent intake, there were 608 applications for just 229 places, a ratio of nearly 3 applicants for every seat.

Admissions are handled by Swindon Borough Council. The school serves a defined catchment area centered on Old Town and Lawn. In 2024, the school was oversubscribed, meaning families living outside the immediate catchment often missed out unless they met specific sibling criteria. Families should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance, as the catchment boundary can shrink in high-demand years.

Pastoral care is a defining strength. The House system fosters a sense of belonging, with competitions ranging from sport to the "Commonweal’s Got Talent" showcase. Support structures are robust; the school employs non-teaching pastoral managers who are available throughout the day, ensuring student concerns are addressed immediately rather than waiting for a teacher's free period.

The school prides itself on inclusivity, hosting a unit for students with physical disabilities, which integrates fully into the main school life, further grounding the student body in empathy and awareness.

Extracurricular life at Commonweal is dominated by the Performing Arts. The school operates almost like a junior conservatoire: the multiple Choirs, Concert Bands, and the renowned Jazz Bands tour internationally and perform at professional venues. For students with musical or theatrical aptitude, the opportunities here rival those of many independent schools.

Sport is also well-represented, with extensive use of the gym and fields, though the sloping site limits some onsite pitch space. A standout feature is the STFC6 Football Education Programme, run in partnership with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation, allowing Sixth Form students to combine professional football training with their academic studies. Students also engage heavily in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Global Challenge.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Located in the heart of Old Town, the school is easily accessible by foot for local residents, though traffic on The Mall can be heavy at drop-off. Parking is very limited; parents are encouraged to walk where possible.

Oversubscription risks. With nearly three applications per place, securing a seat is the primary challenge. Living in Old Town does not guarantee entry if you are on the catchment fringe.

Arts vs. Academics. While academic results are solid, the school’s true passion is the arts. Families seeking a purely academic "exam factory" environment might find the culture here too holistic.

Site limitations. The historic nature of the building and its location on a hill mean navigating the site can be physically demanding, and outdoor space is more constrained than at newer schools on the town's edge.

The Commonweal School offers a vibrant, culturally rich education that anchors the Old Town community. It proves that a state comprehensive can deliver 'public school' style opportunities in music and drama without the fees. Best suited to families in the catchment who value creativity, community spirit, and a rounded education over raw league table position. The main challenge is securing a place.