The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2013).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 73.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2013
- This is a boys-only school
Selective intake
This school offers places by entrance exam. See how 11+ formats differ between schools — and which exam boards they use.
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
73.9
30.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
98%
56.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
41%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.10
Band 4Source: 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
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
96%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
0%
Based on 158 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 9 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
9% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 81 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Boys
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,117
- Capacity
- 97%
- FSM
- 4.1%
- Admissions
- Selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Gloucestershire
- Trust
- COTSWOLD BEACON ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Duncan Cook (acting Principal) (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Cainscross Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4HE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmStroud High School
Secondary · Very close
Althea Park Education Unit
Independent · 480m away
South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
16 plus · 615m away
Archway School
Secondary · 640m away
St Matthew's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 687m away
Rodborough Community Primary School
Primary · 876m away
Callowell Primary School
Primary · 907m away
The Rosary Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Marling School a selective school?
Yes. Marling School has a selective intake, which means places are offered based on performance in an entrance exam. Check the school's admissions page for the current exam format and registration deadlines.
What is Marling School's Ofsted rating?
Marling School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in November 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Marling School?
Marling School currently has 1,117 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Marling School take?
Marling School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Marling School?
Marling School is in Stroud, GL5 4HE, in the Gloucestershire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Marling School have a sixth form?
Yes, Marling School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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