The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 81% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 37.6 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- 43% 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
37.6
6.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
25%
17.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
34%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D+
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
90%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
79%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
7%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 121 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
23% 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 89 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,020
- Capacity
- 81%
- FSM
- 43.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Kent
- Trust
- TURNER SCHOOLS
- Head
- Mr Jamie MacLean
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Tile Kiln Lane, Cheriton, Folkestone, CT19 4PB
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Turner Free School a selective school?
No. Turner Free School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Turner Free School's Ofsted rating?
Turner Free School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in December 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Turner Free School?
Turner Free School currently has 1,020 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Turner Free School take?
Turner Free School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Turner Free School?
Turner Free School is in Folkestone, CT19 4PB, in the Kent local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Turner Free School have a sixth form?
Yes, Turner Free School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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