The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2017).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2017
- The school is at capacity (99% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.3
2.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
38%
3.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
36%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.33
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
96%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
94%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
1%
Based on 221 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
25% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% 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 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 123 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,382
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 17.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Swindon
- Trust
- THE COMMONWEAL SCHOOL
- Head
- Mr Charles Drew (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
The Mall, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4JE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmLethbridge Primary School
Primary · 583m away
King William Street Church of England Primary School
Primary · 756m away
East Wichel Primary School & Nursery
Primary · 771m away
Wizard Education
Independent · 858m away
The Croft Primary School
Primary · 883m away
Robert Le Kyng Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
UTC Swindon
Secondary · 1.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Commonweal School a selective school?
No. The Commonweal School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Commonweal School's Ofsted rating?
The Commonweal School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Commonweal School?
The Commonweal School currently has 1,382 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Commonweal School take?
The Commonweal School caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Commonweal School?
The Commonweal School is in Swindon, SN1 4JE, in the Swindon local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Commonweal School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Commonweal School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.