The Grove School
68%
Capacity
815
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About The Grove School
The Grove School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Shropshire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 815 pupils on roll, operating at 68% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Grove School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Mitchell Allsopp, it falls under Shropshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.48 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of D. Additionally, ranked 2586th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 13th out of 19 in Shropshire.
The Grove School is a popular choice with families — it received 193 applications for 150 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 138 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Grove School include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Library, Theatre, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Netball, Rounders, Football and 6 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Chess, Choir, Newspaper and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.4%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Shropshire, The Grove School is one of the options available in the West Midlands 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 | Newcastle Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 1HF |
| Headteacher | Mitchell Allsopp |
| Local Authority | Shropshire |
| Number of Pupils | 815 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.4% |
| School Capacity | 815 / 1,206 (68% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
25 Apr 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 5 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.48)
2586th of 3,141
Nationally
301st of 371
In West Midlands
13th of 19
In Shropshire
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
32.9
'22/23
24.5
'23/24
20.3
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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed150
193
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
138 families put this school as their 1st choice (72% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Grove 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
Newcastle Road, Market Drayton
Shropshire, TF9 1HF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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