Stowmarket High School
74%
Capacity
896
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Stowmarket High School
Stowmarket High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Mid Suffolk community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 896 pupils on roll, operating at 74% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Stowmarket High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lucie Hernandez, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.03 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.4. Additionally, ranked 1591st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 7 in Mid Suffolk.
Stowmarket High School is a popular choice with families — it received 291 applications for 186 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 214 were first-preference applications.
Stowmarket High School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 91% recommending the school (233 responses).
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 Stowmarket High School include Theatre, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Dance, Badminton, Rugby and 2 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Orchestra, Choir, Gardening and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.5%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Mid Suffolk, Stowmarket 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 | Onehouse Road, Stowmarket, Mid Suffolk, IP14 1QR |
| Headteacher | Lucie Hernandez |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 896 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.5% |
| School Capacity | 896 / 1,203 (74% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Jun 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 13 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.03)
1591st of 3,141
Nationally
179th of 350
In East of England
4th of 7
In Mid Suffolk
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.
Ofsted Parent View
233 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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed186
291
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
214 families put this school as their 1st choice (74% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stowmarket 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
Onehouse Road, Stowmarket
Mid Suffolk, IP14 1QR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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