Debenham High School
112%
Capacity
699
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Debenham High School
Debenham High School is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Mid Suffolk community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 699 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (112% of 625 places).
Ofsted has rated Debenham High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Simon Martin, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.76 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 55.4. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 215th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 7 in Mid Suffolk.
Debenham High School is a popular choice with families — it received 251 applications for 135 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 155 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Debenham High School include Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Theatre, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Library, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Hockey, Rounders, Basketball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Film Club, Model UN and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 13.0%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Mid Suffolk, Debenham High School is one of the options available in the East of England 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 | Church of England |
| Address | Gracechurch Street, Stowmarket, Mid Suffolk, IP14 6BL |
| Headteacher | Simon Martin |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 699 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 13.0% |
| School Capacity | 699 / 625 (112% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 2 May 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.76)
215th of 3,141
Nationally
23rd of 350
In East of England
1st of 7
In Mid Suffolk
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed135
251
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
155 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 Debenham High 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
Gracechurch Street, Stowmarket
Mid Suffolk, IP14 6BL
Gracechurch Street, Stowmarket
Mid Suffolk, IP14 6BL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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