Upper Shirley High School
109%
Capacity
1,081
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Upper Shirley High School
Upper Shirley High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Southampton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,081 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (109% of 990 places).
Ofsted has rated Upper Shirley High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Christopher Sykes, it falls under Southampton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.09 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 49.2. Additionally, ranked 1330th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 11 in Southampton.
Upper Shirley High School is a popular choice with families — it received 481 applications for 204 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 224 were first-preference applications.
Upper Shirley High School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 87% recommending the school (151 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 Upper Shirley High School include Music Rooms, Library, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Gymnasium.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Basketball, Martial Arts, Football, Rugby and 3 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Model UN, Eco Club, Drama and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.3%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Southampton, Upper Shirley High 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 | None |
| Address | Bellemoor Road, Southampton, Southampton, SO15 7QU |
| Headteacher | Christopher Sykes |
| Local Authority | Southampton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,081 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,081 / 990 (109% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Jan 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (22 Jan 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 13 Nov 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.09)
1330th of 3,141
Nationally
206th of 461
In South East
4th of 11
In Southampton
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.
Ofsted Parent View
151 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed204
481
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
224 families put this school as their 1st choice (47% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Shirley High 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
Bellemoor Road, Southampton
Southampton, SO15 7QU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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