The Commonweal School
99%
Capacity
1,382
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About The Commonweal School
The Commonweal School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Swindon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,382 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,400 places).
Ofsted has rated The Commonweal School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Charles Drew, it falls under Swindon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.11 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1786th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 13 in Swindon.
The Commonweal School is a popular choice with families — it received 608 applications for 229 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 277 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Commonweal School include Music Rooms, Science Labs, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Library, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Athletics, Hockey, Cricket and 3 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Debate, Choir, Drama and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 17.7%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Swindon, The Commonweal 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | The Mall, Swindon, Swindon, SN1 4JE |
| Headteacher | Charles Drew |
| Local Authority | Swindon |
| Number of Pupils | 1,382 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,382 / 1,400 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (14 Jun 2023): School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 9 Jan 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.11)
1786th of 3,141
Nationally
182nd of 306
In South West
10th of 13
In Swindon
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
33.7
'22/23
31.3
'23/24
30.7
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
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
2025/26Oversubscribed229
608
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
277 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Commonweal 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
The Mall, Swindon
Swindon, SN1 4JE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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