Thornden School
104%
Capacity
1,451
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Thornden School
Thornden School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Eastleigh community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,451 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,400 places).
Ofsted has rated Thornden School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Caroline Lowing, it falls under Hampshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.74 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 61.4. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 245th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 5 in Eastleigh.
Thornden School is a popular choice with families — it received 535 applications for 280 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 274 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Thornden School include Sports Hall, Library, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Science Labs, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Rounders, Swimming, Cross Country and 4 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Drama, Debate, Coding and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 6.1%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Eastleigh, Thornden School is one of the options available in the South East 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Winchester Road, Eastleigh, Eastleigh, SO53 2DW |
| Headteacher | Caroline Lowing |
| Local Authority | Hampshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,451 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 6.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,451 / 1,400 (104% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 21 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.74)
245th of 3,141
Nationally
40th of 461
In South East
1st of 5
In Eastleigh
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more 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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed280
535
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
274 families put this school as their 1st choice (51% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thornden 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
Winchester Road, Eastleigh
Eastleigh, SO53 2DW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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