The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2017).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2017
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
51.0
7.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
56%
14.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
93%
Source: 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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
88%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 124 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% 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, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 57 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 619
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 19.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Isle of Wight
- Trust
- ISLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL
- Head
- Mr Steph Boyd (Headmaster)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Previous reports
Location
Newport Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1BG
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is The Island Free School a selective school?
No. The Island Free School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Island Free School's Ofsted rating?
The Island Free School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Island Free School?
The Island Free School currently has 619 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Island Free School take?
The Island Free School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Island Free School?
The Island Free School is in Ventnor, PO38 1BG, in the Isle of Wight local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Island Free School have a sixth form?
No, The Island Free School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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