Classpot

The Cowplain School

Havant, PO8 8RYSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Mar 2024
Progress 8
-0.24
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.8×
Not oversubscribed
133 1st-choice / 177 places
Ranking
#2,104
of 3,141 nationally

About The Cowplain School

The Cowplain School is a mixed secondary for pupils aged 11 to 16, serving the Havant area in Hampshire. With 1,011 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,080, the school is operating close to its limit but still has a small number of unfilled places. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 27.8%, which is notably higher than the national average for secondary schools and suggests the school serves a community with above-average levels of disadvantage. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 236 total applications for 177 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.33. Of those, 133 were first-preference applications, and all 133 received offers. This level of competition indicates that the school is a popular choice among local families, particularly those who prioritise it as their first option.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressHart Plain Avenue, Waterlooville, Havant, PO8 8RY
HeadteacherIan Gates
Local AuthorityHampshire
Number of Pupils1,011
Free School Meals (FSM)27.8%
School Capacity1,011 / 1,080 (94% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

5 Mar 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 6 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
ICT SuiteSports HallTheatreLibrarySixth Form CentrePlaying FieldsDining HallScience LabsSwimming PoolTennis CourtsGymnasiumArt Studios

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

11

Sports

HockeyRugbyCross CountryBasketballCricketRowing

Clubs & Activities

Art ClubCodingScience ClubEco ClubChess

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

DyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageMulti-Sensory

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cowplain School

The Cowplain School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.