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The Kings of Wessex Academy

The Kings of Wessex Academy

Somerset, BS27 3AQSecondary School·Ages 13-18
Goodby Ofsted

88%

Capacity

1,050

Pupils

N/A

Demand

About The Kings of Wessex Academy

The Kings of Wessex Academy is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Somerset community, welcoming children from age 13 to 18. The school has 1,050 pupils on roll and is well-filled (88% of 1,194 places).

Ofsted has rated The Kings of Wessex Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Joanne Cowper, it falls under Somerset local authority.

In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.34 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 49.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 756th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 26 in Somerset.

The Kings of Wessex Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 80% recommending the school (157 responses).

For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.

On-site facilities at The Kings of Wessex Academy include ICT Suite, Art Studios, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Chapel.

Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Hockey, Netball, Gymnastics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Drama, DofE, Gardening and 4 more.

The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.6%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.

For families exploring secondary schools in Somerset, The Kings of Wessex Academy 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 TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range13 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChurch of England
AddressStation Road, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AQ
HeadteacherJoanne Cowper
Local AuthoritySomerset
Number of Pupils1,050
Free School Meals (FSM)11.6%
School Capacity1,050 / 1,194 (88% full)
Sixth FormYes

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

6 Nov 2024
View Report

Overall Effectiveness

Good

Latest inspection (6 Nov 2024): Standards maintained

Declined
Leadership & Management
Good

Additional Provisions

Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 15 Apr 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

League Table Position

Based on Progress 8 (+0.34)

756th of 3,141

Nationally

Top 25%

53rd of 306

In South West

Top 25%

1st of 26

In Somerset

Top 5%

Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data

GCSE Results

2023/24

Progress 8 Score

+0.34Above Average

Students make more progress than similar students nationally

BelowAverageAbove

Attainment 8 (vs national avg)

+49.7Well Above Average

Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average

BelowAverageAbove
Grade 9-4 (Standard Pass)73%
Grade 9-5 (Strong Pass)52%

Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.

A-Level Results

2023/24
128 students

Average Points per Entry

33.2Grade C+

Value Added Score

+0.06Average
BelowAverageAbove

Best 3 A-Levels (Average)

32.2Grade C+
AAB or higher (inc. 2 facilitating)11%
Avg Points per Entry over timeDeclining -2.7

'21/22

38.5

'22/23

33.3

'23/24

33.2

Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.

Ofsted Parent View

157 responses

Would Recommend This School

80%Good
Needs Attentionbelow 70%
Bullying dealt with
13%
Aware of curriculum
56%
Concerns dealt with
56%

Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyMulti-SensoryOther

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

Facilities

7
ICT SuiteArt StudiosLibrarySixth Form CentreGymnasiumPlaying FieldsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

14

Sports

AthleticsHockeyNetballGymnasticsCricketDance

Clubs & Activities

Art ClubDramaDuke of EdinburghGardeningChoirChessYoung EnterpriseDebate

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

Frequently Asked Questions About The Kings of Wessex Academy

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

Contact Information

01934742608www.kowessex.co.uk/

Station Road, Cheddar

Somerset, BS27 3AQ

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Station Road, Cheddar

Somerset, BS27 3AQ

Journey to School

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Opening Hours

Monday8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

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