Swanmore College

About Swanmore College

Swanmore College is a popular choice among Winchester families, and the numbers back that up. For the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 407 applications for 257 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.58. Of those, 267 families put it as their first preference, and 245 first-preference offers were made. That level of demand suggests parents who get a place are generally pleased with what they find. While the school does not publish a formal parent-view survey percentage, the sustained interest from local families is a strong signal in itself. The school is a mixed, non-denominational secondary for ages 11 to 16, with no sixth form, and it operates under Hampshire local authority. With 1,332 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,350, it is running very close to full, which reinforces its reputation as a school that local parents actively seek out.

Academically, Swanmore College performs well above the local average. Its Progress 8 score of 0.25 is significantly higher than the Hampshire LA average of -0.17, meaning pupils here make about a quarter of a grade more progress per subject than similar students nationally. The school’s Progress 8 banding is rated as ‘Above average’. Attainment 8 sits at 52.1, and 76.8% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths, compared with 57.1% at the stronger grade 5 threshold. The EBacc average point score is 4.58, with 21.2% of pupils entering the EBacc suite of subjects. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023, the school retained its Good rating, with leadership and management also judged Good. The previous graded inspection in 2014 had also rated overall effectiveness as Good, so the school has held a consistent standard over time.

The school offers a broad range of facilities, including a swimming pool, astro turf, theatre, and music rooms, plus clubs such as orchestra, science club, and film club. Sports on offer include rowing, martial arts, and rugby alongside the more traditional football and netball. Swanmore also lists a comprehensive set of SEND provisions, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder, and speech, language and communication needs, as well as physical and sensory impairments. This makes it a practical choice for families who want a mainstream secondary with strong academic outcomes and a genuine capacity to support a wide range of additional needs. It is not a boarding school and has no nursery or sixth form, so it suits families looking for a straightforward 11-16 day school that is clearly in demand and delivers above-average progress.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Swanmore College

Helpful Guides for Parents