Sheldon School
87%
Capacity
1,558
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Sheldon School
Sheldon School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Wiltshire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,558 pupils on roll and is well-filled (87% of 1,800 places).
Ofsted has rated Sheldon School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Peter Lynch, it falls under Wiltshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.10 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1777th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 18th out of 26 in Wiltshire.
Sheldon School is a popular choice with families — it received 466 applications for 212 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 186 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Sheldon School include Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Theatre, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Cricket, Dance, Basketball and 6 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Young Enterprise, Debate, Gardening and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.8%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wiltshire, Sheldon 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 | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6HJ |
| Headteacher | Peter Lynch |
| Local Authority | Wiltshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,558 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,558 / 1,800 (87% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 13 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.10)
1777th of 3,141
Nationally
179th of 306
In South West
18th of 26
In Wiltshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
37.8
'22/23
31.9
'23/24
32.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed212
466
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
186 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon 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
Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham
Wiltshire, SN14 6HJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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