The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2012).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2012
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.0
1.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
49%
6.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
39%
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
86%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
74%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
6%
Employment
Directly into work
6%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 200 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
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 96 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,093
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 18.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- East Sussex
- Head
- Mrs Emily May (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
June 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
October 2012 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
January 2011 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
June 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
February 2008 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
May 2004 | Full Inspection
Location
Broad Road, Lower Willingdon, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 9QX
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWillingdon Primary School
Primary · 334m away
Polegate Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Oakwood Primary Academy
Primary · 2.0km away
The Lindfield School
Special school · 2.2km away
The Eastbourne Academy
Secondary · 2.3km away
Parkland Infant School
Primary · 2.5km away
Parkland Junior School
Primary · 2.5km away
Ratton School
Secondary · 2.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is Willingdon Community School a selective school?
No. Willingdon Community School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Willingdon Community School's Ofsted rating?
Willingdon Community School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Willingdon Community School?
Willingdon Community School currently has 1,093 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Willingdon Community School take?
Willingdon Community School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Willingdon Community School?
Willingdon Community School is in Eastbourne, BN20 9QX, in the East Sussex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Willingdon Community School have a sixth form?
No, Willingdon Community School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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