Sir John Leman High School
97%
Capacity
1,439
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Sir John Leman High School
Sir John Leman High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the East Suffolk community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,439 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 1,476 places).
Ofsted has rated Sir John Leman High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sarah Hartshorn, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.22 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2051st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 12 in East Suffolk.
Sir John Leman High School is a popular choice with families — it received 382 applications for 233 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 227 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Sir John Leman High School include Music Rooms, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Theatre, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Cricket, Rugby, Martial Arts and 5 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Orchestra, Model UN, Coding and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 22.7%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in East Suffolk, Sir John Leman High School is one of the options available in the East of England 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 | Ringsfield Road, Beccles, East Suffolk, NR34 9PG |
| Headteacher | Sarah Hartshorn |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 1,439 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 22.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,439 / 1,476 (97% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 May 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (12 May 2022): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Nov 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.22)
2051st of 3,141
Nationally
240th of 350
In East of England
6th of 12
In East Suffolk
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
31.3
'22/23
32.9
'23/24
28.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE 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
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed233
382
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
227 families put this school as their 1st choice (59% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sir John Leman High 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
Ringsfield Road, Beccles
East Suffolk, NR34 9PG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Sir John Leman High School!
Write a Review