Cantell School
103%
Capacity
1,288
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Cantell School
Cantell School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Southampton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,288 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (103% of 1,250 places).
the school is led by headteacher Harry Kutty, it falls under Southampton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.21 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.6. Additionally, ranked 1051st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 11 in Southampton.
Cantell School is a popular choice with families — it received 682 applications for 241 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 325 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cantell School include Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Science Labs, Art Studios, Theatre, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Swimming, Dance, Basketball and 6 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Chess, Drama, Newspaper and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 43.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Southampton, Cantell School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Violet Road, Southampton, Southampton, SO16 3GJ |
| Headteacher | Harry Kutty |
| Local Authority | Southampton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,288 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 43.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,288 / 1,250 (103% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 13 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.21)
1051st of 3,141
Nationally
166th of 461
In South East
3rd of 11
In Southampton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed241
682
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
325 families put this school as their 1st choice (48% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantell School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Violet Road, Southampton
Southampton, SO16 3GJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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