Classpot

Horsforth School

Leeds, LS18 5RFSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Oct 2023
Progress 8
+0.40
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.3×
Oversubscribed
360 1st-choice / 282 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#660 of 3,141 nationally

About Horsforth School

Horsforth School sits within the Leeds local authority, where it ranks 16th out of 42 secondary schools on its Progress 8 score, placing it comfortably in the top 40% of its peers locally. The top-performing schools in the area are The Ruth Gorse Academy, Allerton High School, and Mount St Mary's Catholic High School, but Horsforth holds its own as a strong, well-regarded comprehensive. It is a mixed, non-denominational state secondary for pupils aged 11 to 18, with a large roll of 1,773 students against a capacity of 1,865. The school is significantly oversubscribed: for the 2025/26 academic year, it received 1,113 applications for 282 places, with 360 first-preference applications and 281 offers made to first-preference families. That works out at nearly four applicants for every place, a clear sign of local demand. The headteacher is Paul Bell, and the school has a dedicated Sixth Form centre, confirming its all-through secondary provision.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressLee Lane East, Leeds, Leeds, LS18 5RF
HeadteacherPaul Bell
Local AuthorityLeeds
Number of Pupils1,773
Free School Meals (FSM)15.2%
School Capacity1,773 / 1,865 (95% full)
Sixth FormYes

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

25 Oct 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (25 Oct 2023): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 29 Jan 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Sports HallICT SuiteSwimming PoolDining HallArt StudiosAstro TurfGymnasiumTennis CourtsSixth Form CentrePlaying FieldsMusic RoomsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

19

Sports

GymnasticsMartial ArtsCricketCross CountryDanceRugbyTennis

Clubs & Activities

DebateOrchestraCodingGardeningFilm ClubNewspaperEco ClubScience ClubBook ClubDramaDuke of EdinburghYoung Enterprise

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 Horsforth School

Horsforth School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.