Best 3 Secondary schools in Somerset – 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: The Castle School (Secondary) in Taunton; Buckler's Mead School (Secondary) in Yeovil; Haygrove School (Secondary) in Bridgwater — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares The Castle School, Buckler's Mead School and Haygrove School. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Taunton, Somerset, Yeovil and Bridgwater, Somerset. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (The Castle School), published Nov 2023. The lowest is 2 (Buckler's Mead School), published Jul 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Buckler's Mead School (Jul 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,000, combined total ≈ 3,050, typical FSM 20–25%, range 10–15%–30–35%; spread across trusts such as BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP, Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership and QUANTOCK EDUCATION TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	The Castle School TA1 5AU	Buckler's Mead School BA21 4NH	Haygrove School TA6 7HW
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Taunton Somerset TA1 5AU	Yeovil BA21 4NH	Bridgwater Somerset TA6 7HW
Latest Ofsted	1 23 Nov 2023	2 3 Jul 2024	2 20 May 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 800 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1188	1020	1070
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective		Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP	Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership	QUANTOCK EDUCATION TRUST
Website	www.castleschool.co.uk	bucklersmead.com	www.haygroveschool.co.uk
Telephone	01823274073	01935424454	01278455531
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

The Castle School

TA1 5AU

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5AU
Ofsted: 1 23 Nov 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Website: www.castleschool.co.uk
Telephone: 01823274073

Buckler's Mead School

BA21 4NH

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Yeovil
BA21 4NH
Ofsted: 2 3 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 800 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership
Website: bucklersmead.com
Telephone: 01935424454

Haygrove School

TA6 7HW

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 7HW
Ofsted: 2 20 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: QUANTOCK EDUCATION TRUST
Website: www.haygroveschool.co.uk
Telephone: 01278455531

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.