Ages 
A friendly, grounded and successful school with masses of extracurricular and an impressive setting. Turns out delightful young people that you’d be proud to call your own. Particular mention must go to the outstanding leadership team whose warmth sets the tone and whose eagerness to continually up their game keeps the school on its toes. A school worth moving to the area for.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,588 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 361 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Wiltshire Council
Headteacher
Headteacher
Mrs Lisa Percy
Since 2015, Lisa Percy (early 50s). Previously deputy head for seven years, including a one-year handover period. Grew up in Bradford on Avon, studied geography and French at Wolverhampton Polytechnic (now part of Wolverhampton University) and gained
Entrance
Oversubscribed, with waiting lists in some year groups. Up to 20 appeals a year. Priority given to SEN, looked after children, then siblings and finally distance – but villages surrounding Chippenham (where buses are laid on if needed) come higher up
- Open days
- See website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just under 40 per cent leave after GCSEs, mostly to Chippenham College which has a broader vocational offering. Nearly all sixth formers to university, half to Russell Group: Bristol, LSE, Exeter and Manchester top of the pops in 2025. Courses as
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
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 2025, 22 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 42 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths. At A level, 26 per cent A*/A (58 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
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)
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
Consistently good results for a non-selective comprehensive. Tellingly, all parents we spoke to – whether of clever clogs, those for whom learning does not come naturally, and potential coasters – said their offspring were suitably stretched and
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
School has built up such a good reputation around SEN that it now has 37 students with EHCPs. Parents also speak highly about provision for milder issues. Learning support department is located upstairs in the manor house, along with Rupert the
Arts & extracurricular
Sounds of flute, violin and guitar spilled out of practice rooms during our visit. In one classroom students composed on keyboards, in another they were working on the latest Macs. A guitarist strummed away on the stage of the main hall, where
Sport
Neighbouring Sheldon School is said to trump Hardenhuish on the sports front. Head thinks it is a perception issue that harks back to the days when Sheldon was a specialist sports school. Parents think Sheldon is just better at promoting its sport,
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1975 when the three schools in the area - the secondary boys' school, the secondary girls' and Chippenham grammar - were merged into two comprehensives. One became Hardenhuish and the other became Sheldon, based just next door, and
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Has always excelled in pastoral care, with an even greater focus on wellbeing since Covid (for which the school recently won an award). ‘It’s really obvious they care about the pupils as individuals,’ said a parent. Students have a (non-teaching and
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile technology must be switched off from 8.30am, which is the start of morning tutor period, until 3pm, when lesson 6 ends, and kept in their school bags unless in a lesson with the expressed permission of a teacher (smart watches can be worn but can only be used for timekeeping during these times). Sixth form students may use their phones in A Centre when not in lessons. They are not permitted to be on their phones elsewhere on the site during the school day.
Pupils & parents
‘Proudly comprehensive’ is a school strapline, with families spanning the poorest wards through to affluent villages. Not much by way of ethnic diversity as in the area itself. Parents are grateful, supportive and loyal; many attended the school
The last word
A friendly, grounded and successful school with masses of extracurricular and an impressive setting. Turns out delightful young people that you’d be proud to call your own. Particular mention must go to the outstanding leadership team whose warmth
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Short inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Leadership and management | Good |
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