Best 3 Secondary schools in Sheffield – comparison

Comparison of secondary schools: Mercia School (Secondary) in Sheffield; Forge Valley School (Secondary) in Sheffield; King Edward VII School (Secondary) in Sheffield — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Mercia School, Forge Valley School and King Edward VII School. They are secondary phase and free schools, academy sponsor led and community school type located around Sheffield and Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Mercia School), published May 2023. The lowest is 2 (Forge Valley School), published Jun 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Forge Valley School (Jun 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,450, combined total ≈ 4,300, typical FSM 25–30%, range 20–25%–25–30%; spread across trusts such as Mercia Learning Trust and Tapton School Academy Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)
Phase / Type
Secondary • Free schools
Location
Sheffield
S7 2DY
Ofsted
1 11 May 2023
Pupils
≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
Mercia Learning Trust
Website
www.merciaschool.com
Telephone
01145539080
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S6 5HG
Ofsted
2 9 Jun 2024
Pupils
≈ 1,550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
Tapton School Academy Trust
Website
www.forgevalley.school
Telephone
01142348805
Phase / Type
Secondary • Community school
Location
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S10 2PW
Ofsted
2 10 Jul 2023
Pupils
≈ 1,700 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
Sheffield (373)
Website
www.kes.sheffield.sch.uk
Telephone
01142662518

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.
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