The short version
Average GCSE results. 82% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2018).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2018
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.9
3.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
51%
8.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
23%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.19
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
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 269 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
21% 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 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 132 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,484
- Capacity
- 82%
- FSM
- 17.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Suffolk
- Head
- Ms Ma�ve Taylor (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
March 2018 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
May 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
March 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Outstanding
February 2010 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
March 2002 | Full Inspection
Location
Norton Road, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 3PB
Rural setting
Questions parents ask
Is Thurston Community College a selective school?
No. Thurston Community College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Thurston Community College's Ofsted rating?
Thurston Community College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Thurston Community College?
Thurston Community College currently has 1,484 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Thurston Community College take?
Thurston Community College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Thurston Community College?
Thurston Community College is in Bury St Edmunds, IP31 3PB, in the Suffolk local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Thurston Community College have a sixth form?
Yes, Thurston Community College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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