The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2014). Boys only.
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2014
- This is a boys-only school
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.7
1.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
54%
11.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
40%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.07
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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
92%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 184 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
16% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 48 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Boys
Numbers
- Pupils
- 578
- Capacity
- 51%
- FSM
- 16.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Windsor and Maidenhead
- Trust
- PIONEER EDUCATIONAL TRUST
- Head
- Mr Andrew Murdoch (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2QB
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmBoyne Hill CofE Infant and Nursery School
Primary · 936m away
Claires Court Schools
Independent · 1.0km away
All Saints Church of England Junior School
Primary · 1.2km away
RBWM Alternative Learning Provision
Pupil referral unit · 1.3km away
St Luke's CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Braywick Court School
Primary · 1.4km away
Forest Bridge School
Free school · 1.5km away
St Piran's School
Independent · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is Desborough College a selective school?
No. Desborough College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Desborough College's Ofsted rating?
Desborough College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Desborough College?
Desborough College currently has 578 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Desborough College take?
Desborough College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Desborough College?
Desborough College is in Maidenhead, SL6 2QB, in the Windsor and Maidenhead local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Desborough College have a sixth form?
Yes, Desborough College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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