Marling School
97%
Capacity
1,117
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Marling School
Marling School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Stroud community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,117 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 1,150 places).
Ofsted has rated Marling School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Duncan Cook (acting Principal), it falls under Gloucestershire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.64 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 71.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 338th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 9 in Stroud.
Marling School is a popular choice with families — it received 410 applications for 150 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 149 were first-preference applications.
Marling School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 78% recommending the school (434 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Marling School include Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Theatre, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Playing Fields.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Hockey, Cross Country, Gymnastics and 4 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Art Club, Chess, DofE and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 4.1%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Stroud, Marling School is one of the options available in the South West 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 | Boys |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Cainscross Road, Stroud, Stroud, GL5 4HE |
| Headteacher | Duncan Cook (acting Principal) |
| Local Authority | Gloucestershire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,117 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 4.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,117 / 1,150 (97% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Nov 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 19 Dec 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.64)
338th of 3,141
Nationally
18th of 306
In South West
2nd of 9
In Stroud
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
38.6
'22/23
38.1
'23/24
40.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
434 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
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
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed150
410
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
149 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marling 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
Cainscross Road, Stroud
Stroud, GL5 4HE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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