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Reviewed

Bishop Luffa School

State school · Chichester, PO19 3HP
  • Secondary
  • Co-ed
  • Ages 11-18
  • 1,737 pupils
We've reviewed this school • Unlock to access

A church school, but not a God club. Principles no one would disagree with: respect for others and helping each person to shine. Excellent results for a non-selective school, but no feeling of being a hothouse. Pupils are friendly and polite. Only downside - the cramped school buildings. One parent said, 'I really feel grateful that my son can go to a school like it. More schools like Luffa are needed! They have a balance between pastoral care and learning, and that is fantastic.'

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,737 ·
Sixth form numbers
328 ·
Religion
C of E
Local authority
West Sussex County Council
Area guides

Headteacher

Headteacher

Austen Hindman

Since September 2018, Austen Hindman, previously head of Peacehaven Community School. Degree in English and philosophy from Keele; deputy head at Hove Park before joining Peacehaven.

Entrance

From West Sussex primaries, at 11, 220 places a year, oversubscribed. The vast majority (165) CofE: prospective parents and offspring need to be regular churchgoers for two continuous years - 'go from year 3 to be sure of it,' suggested one parent.

Open days
October

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Other 15 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Parklands Community Primary School 12 %
Bosham Primary School 7 %
Jessie Younghusband Primary School 7 %
St Richard's Catholic Primary School 7 %
Fishbourne CofE Primary School 6 %
The March CofE Primary School 5 %
Unknown 5 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
St. Joseph's CofE Junior School 4 %
Rose Green Junior School 4 %
North Mundham Primary School 4 %
Chidham Parochial Primary School 3 %
West Dean CofE Primary School 2 %
Chichester Free School 2 %
West Wittering Parochial Church of England School 2 %
Birdham CE Primary School 2 %
Sidlesham Primary School 2 %
Funtington Primary School 2 %
Kingsham Primary School 2 %
St James Church of England Controlled Primary School 2 %
Lavant Primary School 1 %
Southbourne Junior School 1 %
Arundel CofE Primary School 1 %
St Alban's Church of England Aided Primary School 1 %
Data highlight

Exit

Nearly half (45 per cent) leave after GCSEs. Nearly all sixth form leavers to university. Cardiff, Bristol, Southampton and Exeter are popular. Sometimes a few overseas. Three to Oxbridge in 2023, and three medics. Careers sessions fortnightly from

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
79%
LA avg.
58%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

What is this?

The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.

Latest results

In 2024, 78 per cent 9-4 in maths and English at GCSE. At A level, 26 per cent A*/A (49 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
54.4%
LA avg.
45.6%
Eng. avg.
45.9%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)

School
34.90
LA avg.
33.37
Eng. avg.
34.45
Data highlight

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Teaching & learning

Judgement on grades alone is unhelpful,' says the school. But the grades are excellent for a state comprehensive all the same. Pupils say there is pressure to do well, but this is from themselves, not the school. 'At the start of the course they do

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • BTEC
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
90
Number of teachers
18:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

The learning support department supports not only children with statements, but any pupils with particular needs, including gifted and talented. The four dedicated teachers and nine LSAs provide individual support, group sessions and in-class

2.1 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
13.1 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

Plenty of non-sporty options: chess club three lunchtimes a week - 'I thought it would be - you know, lame, but it was quite fun,' said a student. Two film-making clubs, economics society with regular outside speakers, small but lively debating

Sport

Two large playing fields, in constant efficient use. MUGA (multi-use games area), climbing wall, and newish gym. 'They really take sports seriously, I thought they wouldn't. It's as good as an independent school,' commented a parent. Year 10 pupils

Ethos & heritage

Built in the early 60s with some modern additions since, uninspiring buildings disguise the excellent school within. Cramped conditions - in some corridors you can touch both walls - and it felt a bit dark in places. However, £2.5m programme of

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

House system provides a sense of belonging and helps children feel secure: support and congratulation at a low key level suitable to the self-conscious age. Pupils assigned to a tutor group in year 7, and stay in the same group until year 13. The day

Pupils & parents

A true comprehensive, it takes all types. Pupils come from the deaneries of Chichester, Arundel and Bognor, and Westbourne. Many middle class, but not exclusively so.

1,737
Number of pupils

Money matters

PFA (Parents and Friends Association) help the less well off pay for school trips.

The last word

A church school, but not a God club. Principles no one would disagree with: respect for others and helping each person to shine. Excellent results for a non-selective school, but no feeling of being a hothouse. Pupils are friendly and polite. Only

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding

This school has not provided any information yet

If you are from this school, please, get in touch to feature images and useful information for parents.

Contact the school

Address

Westgate
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 3HP
Get directions

Telephone: 01243 787741

Email: HeadsPA@bishopluffa.org.uk

Website: https://www.bishopluffa.org.uk

Local authority: West Sussex County Council

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School data & information Bishop Luffa School Westgate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 3HP
1,737 Pupil numbers
789/948 Pupil numbers boy/girls split
328 Sixth form numbers
10.1 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
5 % Pupils whose first language is not English
18:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
90 Number of teachers
15 Number of teaching assistants
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Bishop Luffa School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
54.4%
LA avg.
45.6%
Eng. avg.
45.9%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
51.90
LA avg.
46.10
Eng. avg.
45.90

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.21 Score Above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 78 5
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 229 5
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 64 7
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 24 6
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 6 7
Media/Film/Tv Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 19 5
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 239 6
Latin GCSE (9-1) Full Course 13 8
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 42 6
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 22 7
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 69 6
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 42 6
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 237 5
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 239 5
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 19 6
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 49 5
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 16 5
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 26 7
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 64 7
Business Studies:Single GCSE (9-1) Full Course 81 5
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 69 7
Art & Design GCSE (9-1) Full Course 52 6

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
16.2%
LA avg.
15.2%
Eng. avg.
17.1%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
34.90
LA avg.
33.37
Eng. avg.
34.45

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCE A level 10 B
Sociology GCE A level 43 B
Religious Studies GCE A level 7 B
Psychology GCE A level 30 B
Physics GCE A level 21 B
Physical Education / Sports Studies GCE A level 14 C
Music GCE A level 10 C
Media/Film/Tv Studies GCE A level 21 B
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 8 A
Mathematics GCE A level 45 A
Law GCE A level 17 C
History GCE A level 20 B
Government and Politics GCE A level 11 B
Geography GCE A level 25 B
Film Studies GCE A level 11 B
English Literature GCE A level 15 B
English Language GCE A level 10 B
Economics GCE A level 40 B
Drama and Theatre Studies GCE A level 8 B
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 11 A
Classical Civilisation GCE A level 10 A
Chemistry GCE A level 35 B
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 31 B
Biology GCE A level 50 B
Art and Design GCE A level 14 B
Mathematics GCE AS level 6 C

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent feeder schools

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Bishop Luffa School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

A sixteen strong Learning Support team (SENCo, 4 teachers and 9 Learning Support Assistants) provide support (in-class and out), guidance and advice for pupils with additional needs and their teachers.

The department's work in the school includes providing opportunities for continuing professional development to extend staff knowledge of particular syndromes and disorders, which underpins good classroom management, differentiation and pupils' learning styles. In addition we ensure all staff are aware of the needs of the pupils in our care through the Inclusion Register, The Learning Support List, Individual Education Plans and case conferences.

We encourage parents to contact the department and to meet with us. We are in regular and close contact with many outside agencies. We participate fully in the 14-16 Increased Flexibility courses, part of the 14-19 Curriculum, providing opportunities for KS4 pupils to study at our local college and monitoring their progress there.

Overall, the approachability of all the Learning Support team members and the full co-operation of the teaching staff means that pupils with additional needs take a full and active part in school life at Bishop Luffa.

2.1 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
13.1 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding
Our data explained
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