Classpot

Cantell School

Southampton, SO16 3GJSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Mar 2024
Progress 8
+0.21
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.4×
Oversubscribed
325 1st-choice / 241 places
Ranking
#1,051
of 3,141 nationally

About Cantell School

Cantell School is clearly a popular choice among Southampton families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 682 applications for 241 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.83, meaning nearly three families applied for every available spot. Of those 682 applicants, 325 put Cantell as their first preference, and 226 of those first-preference families received an offer. This level of demand suggests strong local confidence in the school. While the data doesn't include a formal parent-view survey percentage, the sheer volume of applications — more than double the number of places — is a practical signal that many families in the area see Cantell as their top choice. The school is a mixed, non-religious secondary for ages 11 to 16, with no sixth form, and is led by headteacher Harry Kutty.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressViolet Road, Southampton, Southampton, SO16 3GJ
HeadteacherHarry Kutty
Local AuthoritySouthampton
Number of Pupils1,288
Free School Meals (FSM)43.3%
School Capacity1,288 / 1,250 (103% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

26 Mar 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 13 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

9
Music RoomsSports HallSwimming PoolScience LabsArt StudiosTheatreICT SuiteSixth Form CentreChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

19

Sports

TennisSwimmingDanceBasketballFootballGymnasticsNetballRowingHockeyCricket

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubChessDramaNewspaperArt ClubModel United NationsCodingEco ClubBook Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cantell School

Cantell School has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.