Cove School
96%
Capacity
1,010
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Cove School
Cove School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Rushmoor community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,010 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated Cove School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Andrew King, it falls under Hampshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.74 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.4. Additionally, ranked 2886th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 3 in Rushmoor.
Cove School is a popular choice with families — it received 330 applications for 203 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 204 were first-preference applications.
Cove School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 72% recommending the school (109 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cove School include Playing Fields, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Library, Theatre, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Swimming, Hockey, Dance and 2 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Orchestra, Young Enterprise, Debate and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.3%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Rushmoor, Cove 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 | St John's Road, Farnborough, Rushmoor, GU14 9RN |
| Headteacher | Andrew King |
| Local Authority | Hampshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,010 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,010 / 1,050 (96% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Jan 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 26 Mar 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.74)
2886th of 3,141
Nationally
418th of 461
In South East
3rd of 3
In Rushmoor
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less 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.
Ofsted Parent View
109 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed203
330
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
204 families put this school as their 1st choice (62% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cove 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
St John's Road, Farnborough
Rushmoor, GU14 9RN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
