Hounsdown School
105%
Capacity
1,281
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Hounsdown School
Hounsdown School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the New Forest community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,281 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (105% of 1,215 places).
Ofsted has rated Hounsdown School "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Veal, it falls under Hampshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.21 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.6. Additionally, ranked 2034th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 10 in New Forest.
Hounsdown School is a popular choice with families — it received 345 applications for 248 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 248 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Hounsdown School include Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Theatre, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Art Studios.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Hockey, Cross Country, Netball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Film Club, Orchestra, Chess and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 16.6%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in New Forest, Hounsdown 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 | None |
| Address | Jacobs Gutter Lane, Southampton, New Forest, SO40 9FT |
| Headteacher | David Veal |
| Local Authority | Hampshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,281 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 16.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,281 / 1,215 (105% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 30 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.21)
2034th of 3,141
Nationally
308th of 461
In South East
4th of 10
In New 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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed248
345
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
248 families put this school as their 1st choice (72% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hounsdown 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
Jacobs Gutter Lane, Southampton
New Forest, SO40 9FT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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