The Blue School Review 2026: Historic Wells Secondary

Founded in 1641, The Blue School is one of the oldest state schools in England. It sits in the cathedral city of Wells, combining nearly four centuries of history with a distinctly modern, comprehensive ethos. Serving over 1,500 students, including a large sixth form, it acts as a central hub for the city and surrounding Somerset villages. The school holds a Good rating from Ofsted, confirmed in its most recent inspection in May 2023, and maintains a strong Church of England character that prioritises community service alongside academic achievement.

The school derives its name from the blue coats worn by its first scholars in the 17th century, a charitable foundation established by Ezekiel Barkham. While the Tudor dress has long gone, replaced by modern navy blazers, the sense of historical weight remains. The campus is a mix of eras, where 19th-century architecture sits alongside 1960s blocks and the modern Kennion building.

Mr Mark Woodlock, the Headteacher, leads with a philosophy that emphasises "ambition for all". The school motto, Sperate in Deo (Hope in God), is visible throughout the site, but the atmosphere is inclusive rather than dogmatically religious. The distinct Church of England character manifests in a focus on moral development and servant leadership rather than just ritual. Students describe a friendly, grounded environment where the mix of rural and city backgrounds creates a diverse but cohesive community.

The school operates as a "split site" within a single campus footprint, divided by the main road but connected by a footbridge. This physical layout creates distinct zones for different subjects and year groups, giving older students a sense of progression as they move between buildings. The library is a central feature, well-used at break times, reflecting a serious approach to independent study that starts early in Key Stage 3.

In 2024, The Blue School delivered a solid set of examination results that place it comfortably within the typical performance range for England, with pockets of significant strength.

At GCSE, the school ranks 1,765th in England and 2nd in Wells (FindMySchool ranking). The Progress 8 score of +0.19 is a key indicator, showing that students make above-average progress from their primary school starting points compared to peers across England. Attainment is also stable; the average Attainment 8 score was 48, and the average EBacc point score stood at 4.19.

A-level performance is particularly robust. The school ranks 1,019th in England and 2nd in Wells for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, nearly half of all grades (49%) were A*-B, placing the sixth form above the England average of 47%. At the very top end, over 9% of grades were A*, and 16% were A. These results reflect a sixth form that caters effectively to high achievers while supporting a broad intake.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, resisting the narrowing seen in some schools. Key Stage 3 covers the full National Curriculum with distinct emphasis on the arts and humanities, reflecting the school’s location in a city rich in culture. Modern Foreign Languages are encouraged, with French and Spanish being the core offerings.

Teaching is characterised by strong subject knowledge, particularly in the sciences and mathematics. The science department benefits from well-equipped laboratories, allowing for practical work to remain central to the curriculum rather than a demonstration-only activity. In English and Humanities, lessons often leverage the local context; history students might use Wells Cathedral as a primary source, bringing abstract concepts to life.

SEND support is described as fully integrated. Teaching assistants are deployed effectively, not just to support individuals but to facilitate small group work within the classroom. The school uses a setting system in core subjects from Year 8, allowing teachers to tailor the pace of delivery to student needs, while mixed-ability grouping remains the norm in creative subjects.

The Sixth Form is a major strength of The Blue School, attracting students from other local secondaries as well as retaining a large proportion of Year 11s. With over 200 students, it is large enough to offer a wide range of courses but small enough to offer personal pastoral care.

The academic offer includes over 25 A-level subjects, ranging from Further Mathematics and Physics to Geology, Sociology, and Photography. This breadth is a key draw. The dedicated Sixth Form Centre provides a transition between school and university life, with study areas that allow for collaborative work.

Academic rigour is evident in the destination data. In 2024, 50% of leavers progressed to university. The school has a structured pathway for competitive admissions, supporting seven Oxbridge applicants in the last cycle, with one student securing a place at Cambridge. Employment and apprenticeships are also well-supported, with 28% of leavers moving directly into employment and 8% starting apprenticeships, reflecting the school’s strong links with local industries and Somerset employers.

As a Church of England school, pastoral care is anchored in Christian values of hope, wisdom, community, and dignity. The school operates a year-group system, where a Head of Year stays with the cohort as they move up the school. This continuity allows staff to build deep relationships with families, often knowing siblings and understanding the specific context of each child.

The pastoral team includes non-teaching support staff who are available throughout the day, ensuring that student concerns are addressed immediately rather than waiting for break times. Bullying is taken seriously; the school uses a restorative justice approach where appropriate, encouraging students to understand the impact of their actions.

Mental health support has been expanded in recent years. The school works closely with external agencies and has on-site counselling provision. The "Blue School Spirit" is a tangible concept here, encouraging students to look out for one another. Peer mentoring is common, with Sixth Form students trained to support younger pupils, particularly during the transition into Year 7.

The extracurricular programme is extensive, leveraging the school’s extensive grounds and facilities. Sport is a major pillar. The on-site sports centre, which is also used by the community, includes a sports hall, squash courts, and fitness suites. Outside, expansive playing fields host rugby, football, hockey, and cricket fixtures. The school competes regularly against both state and independent schools in the county, with particular strength in hockey and athletics.

Music and Drama are central to school life, fitting for a school in Wells. The music department runs several ensembles, including a choir, orchestra, and jazz band. Concerts are held in the school hall and occasionally in local churches, strengthening community links. The annual school production is a highlight, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles, ranging from technical lighting support to lead acting.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels. The school’s location at the foot of the Mendip Hills makes expedition training accessible and engaging. Other clubs cater to diverse interests, including a debating society, coding club, and an eco-committee that has been active in improving the school’s sustainability practices.

This is a state-funded Academy, meaning there are no tuition fees for students aged 11 to 18. Education is free at the point of delivery.

Parents should budget for typical additional costs such as uniforms, sports kits, and optional school trips. Music tuition is usually available at a subsidised cost, and families eligible for Free School Meals may receive further financial assistance for these extras.

Admissions are coordinated by Somerset Council. The Blue School is a popular choice and is often oversubscribed. In 2024, the school received 261 applications for 214 places in Year 7, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.2 applications per place.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, followed by those with a sibling at the school, and children of staff. Following these, priority is given to children living in the designated catchment area. The final criterion is distance from the school, measured in a straight line.

While the school has a Church of England designation, faith is not a primary selection criterion for general admissions, making it a true community school serving families of all faiths and none.

The school day begins at 8:45am and finishes at 3:15pm. The split lunch system ensures that younger students have access to the canteen and play areas without being overwhelmed by older year groups.

Transport is a significant operation given the rural nature of the catchment. Many students travel by Somerset Council buses from surrounding villages such as Wookey, Priddy, and Cheddar. The school manages the arrival and departure of these buses efficiently, with staff on duty to ensure safety.

Split site logistics. The campus is divided by a public road. While there is a bridge, the movement between lessons can be busy and requires students to be organised. It adds a physical element to the day that some find invigorating and others find tiring.

Large institution feel. With over 1,500 students, this is a large school. While pastoral care is strong, students need a degree of independence to navigate the systems and opportunities. Quieter children may need encouragement to step forward and make full use of the extracurricular offer.

Rural catchment travel. For families living in the outer villages, the school day is extended by bus travel. This can impact participation in after-school clubs, although the school tries to run some activities at lunchtimes to mitigate this.

Post-16 focus. The Sixth Form is a dominant part of the school culture. For students who intend to leave education at 16 for college or vocational training elsewhere, the academic focus of the upper school can sometimes feel geared towards A-levels and university entry.

The Blue School is a bedrock of the Wells community, offering a stable, supportive, and historically rich education. It balances its Church of England ethos with a modern, inclusive outlook. The strong A-level results and positive Progress 8 scores demonstrate that academic rigour is present, but it is the sense of community and service that truly defines the school. Best suited to families seeking a large, well-resourced comprehensive education where social diversity and academic opportunity go hand in hand.