Garth Hill College
95%
Capacity
1,474
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Garth Hill College
Garth Hill College is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bracknell Forest community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,474 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 1,550 places).
Ofsted has rated Garth Hill College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Keith Grainger, it falls under Bracknell Forest local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.21 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2042nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 7 in Bracknell Forest.
Garth Hill College is a popular choice with families — it received 391 applications for 204 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 166 were first-preference applications.
Garth Hill College parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 83% recommending the school (150 responses).
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 Garth Hill College include Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, ICT Suite, Library, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Art Studios, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Swimming, Cross Country, Rounders and 2 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Coding, Young Enterprise, Chess and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.6%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bracknell Forest, Garth Hill College 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Bull Lane, Bracknell, Bracknell Forest, RG42 2AD |
| Headteacher | Keith Grainger |
| Local Authority | Bracknell Forest |
| Number of Pupils | 1,474 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,474 / 1,550 (95% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (23 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 9 Jun 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.21)
2042nd of 3,141
Nationally
310th of 461
In South East
5th of 7
In Bracknell Forest
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
29.7
'22/23
28.4
'23/24
28.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
150 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
SEN UnitSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed204
391
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
166 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garth Hill College
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
Bull Lane, Bracknell
Bracknell Forest, RG42 2AD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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