Best 3 Secondary schools in Isle of Wight – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Ryde Academy (Secondary) in Ryde; Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy (Secondary) in Cowes; The Island Free School (Secondary) in Ventnor — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Ryde Academy, Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy and The Island Free School. They are secondary phase and academy sponsor led and free schools type located around Ryde, Isle of Wight, Cowes, Isle of Wight and Ventnor, Isle of Wight. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Ryde Academy), published Jan 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Ryde Academy (Jan 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,100, combined total ≈ 3,250, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–25–30%; spread across trusts such as LIFT SCHOOLS and Ormiston Academies Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Ryde Academy PO33 3LN	Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy PO31 8HB	The Island Free School PO38 1BG
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Free schools
Location	Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 3LN	Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 8HB	Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1BG
Latest Ofsted	2 23 Jan 2023	2 18 Oct 2017	2 24 Jul 2017
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,450 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1500	1585	625
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Not applicable	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	LIFT SCHOOLS	Ormiston Academies Trust	Isle of Wight (921)
Website	www.rydeacademy.org	www.cowesec.org	www.theislandfreeschool.org
Telephone	01983567331	01983203103	01983857641
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Ryde Academy

PO33 3LN

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Ryde
Isle of Wight
PO33 3LN
Ofsted: 2 23 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,450 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: LIFT SCHOOLS
Website: www.rydeacademy.org
Telephone: 01983567331

Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy

PO31 8HB

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 8HB
Ofsted: 2 18 Oct 2017
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Ormiston Academies Trust
Website: www.cowesec.org
Telephone: 01983203103

The Island Free School

PO38 1BG

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Ventnor
Isle of Wight
PO38 1BG
Ofsted: 2 24 Jul 2017
Pupils: ≈ 600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Isle of Wight (921)
Website: www.theislandfreeschool.org
Telephone: 01983857641

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.