The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 57.1 vs national 43.8)
- The school is at capacity (103% full)
- 11% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, below the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
57.1
13.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
68%
26.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
75%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.21
Band 2Source: 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
93%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 236 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
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 115 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,513
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 11%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Surrey
- Trust
- SOUTH EAST SURREY SCHOOLS EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr Chris Panting (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Ashcombe Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1LY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Paul's CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
The Priory Church of England School
Secondary · 1.5km away
Powell Corderoy Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Chart Wood School
Special school · 2.0km away
Unified Academy
Academy · 2.0km away
St John's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 2.5km away
Surrey Hills All Saints Primary School
Primary · 2.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Ashcombe School a selective school?
No. The Ashcombe School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend The Ashcombe School?
The Ashcombe School currently has 1,513 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Ashcombe School take?
The Ashcombe School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Ashcombe School?
The Ashcombe School is in Dorking, RH4 1LY, in the Surrey local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Ashcombe School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Ashcombe School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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