The short version
Above-average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2020).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 52.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2020
- The school is nearly full at 92% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
52.7
8.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
56%
14.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
72%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.00
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
96%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 262 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 124 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,597
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 8.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- North Somerset
- Trust
- LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
- Head
- Mr Will Penny (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Station Road, Backwell, Bristol, BS48 3BX
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWest Leigh Infant School
Primary · 663m away
Backwell Church of England Junior School
Primary · 749m away
St Francis Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Golden Valley Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Nailsea School
Secondary · 2.0km away
Hannah More Infant School
Primary · 2.1km away
Grove Junior School
Primary · 2.2km away
Flax Bourton Church of England Primary School
Primary · 2.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Backwell School a selective school?
No. Backwell School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Backwell School's Ofsted rating?
Backwell School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Backwell School?
Backwell School currently has 1,597 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Backwell School take?
Backwell School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Backwell School?
Backwell School is in Bristol, BS48 3BX, in the North Somerset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Backwell School have a sixth form?
Yes, Backwell School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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