A SCHOOL in the area has been named the best in the South West by The Sunday Times. 

The Cotswolds School in Bourton-on-the-Water has been voted secondary school of the year in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023 by Parent Power. 

Will Morgan has been headteacher at The Cotswold School since 2011 and credits their success to academic and pastoral support during lockdown. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of the pupils and the staff of The Cotswold School,” he said. 

“We are a school that always stays focused on the quality of our curriculum and our teaching for all. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Students during a maths lesson at The Cotswold School Students during a maths lesson at The Cotswold School (Image: The Cotswold School)

“Our staff care deeply for their subjects, their school and the individual students under their care. 

“Our academic and pastoral support during lockdown was exceptional and even more impressive was the speed that our staff and students returned to immediately create the environment, the opportunities and the challenge where all our students have been able to thrive.” 

Three quarters of students at The Cotswold School this year achieved grades at A*, A or B, while over half of all grades were either A* or A, and 94 per cent were at A*to C. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Students during a PE lesson at The Cotswold School Students during a PE lesson at The Cotswold School (Image: The Cotswold School)

In GCSEs, 41 per cent of grades achieved were at 9-7 with 83 per cent of students achieving the benchmark of five or more 9-4 grades, including Mathematics and English.

The rankings in the secondary school league tables are determined by the percentage of examination entries gaining A*-B at A-level and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE. 

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, said: “These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned. 

"It is also clear that more attention is being placed on wellbeing and mental health – from meditation rooms to counselling support, even therapy dogs – and schools are being proactive to bring about positive changes. 

“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point.

"We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work.” 

You can view full Parent Power Schools Guide 2023 - here