The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 87% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 33.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- 36% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
33.1
10.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
22%
19.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
19%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.16
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
87%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
73%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
9%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 188 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 21 days per year on average — over a month of school.
30% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 113 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,262
- Capacity
- 87%
- FSM
- 36.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- West Sussex
- Trust
- THE KEMNAL ACADEMIES TRUST
- Head
- Mr Stuart Smith (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
July 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
February 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
April 2019 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
July 2018 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
December 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
October 2014 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
September 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Ashdown Drive, Tilgate, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 5AD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmDesmond Anderson Primary Academy
Primary · Very close
Desmond Anderson Primary School
Primary · Very close
Broadfield Primary Academy
Primary · 486m away
Atelier21 Future School
Independent · 506m away
Southgate Primary
Primary · 735m away
Hilltop Primary School
Primary · 809m away
Seymour Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
The Oaks Primary School & Nursery
Primary · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Thomas Bennett Community College a selective school?
No. Thomas Bennett Community College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Thomas Bennett Community College's Ofsted rating?
Thomas Bennett Community College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Thomas Bennett Community College?
Thomas Bennett Community College currently has 1,262 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Thomas Bennett Community College take?
Thomas Bennett Community College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Thomas Bennett Community College?
Thomas Bennett Community College is in Crawley, RH10 5AD, in the West Sussex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Thomas Bennett Community College have a sixth form?
Yes, Thomas Bennett Community College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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