The Matthew Arnold School

About The Matthew Arnold School

The Matthew Arnold School is a vibrant and inclusive community where our motto of Dream Big, Work Hard and Achieve is central to everything we do. We nurture individual growth, celebrate diversity, and challenge every student to thrive and become confident, independent and informed citizens of the future.

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Key Facts

Head/Principal Assal Ruse

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews

Safety & Security 4.3

Teaching Quality 4.3

Communication 4.3

Student Wellbeing 4.3

Facilities 4.3

Parent Survey

Official Ofsted Parent View data • 119 responses • 12.4% response rate

View on Ofsted

My child is happy at this school

84.9% positive 13.5% negative

My child feels safe at this school

86.5% positive 12.6% negative

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

81.5% positive 16.8% negative

The school has high expectations for my child

82.4% positive 16% negative

My child does well at this school

77.4% positive 18.5% negative

I would recommend this school to another parent

Data from Ofsted Parent View as of September 2025. Based on 119 parent responses to the official Ofsted survey.

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.

17.0:1

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Excellent

56.4

Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Secondary School Results (Key Stage 4)

Exam performance data • 2023-2024

43.2

Attainment 8

Average grade across 8 subjects

-0.24

Progress 8

Below average

38.1%

English & Maths 9-5

Strong pass in both

56.1%

English & Maths 9-4

Standard pass in both

Additional Information

11.6% entered EBacc

5.2% achieved EBacc

155 pupils in cohort

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 4

E

Emily W Unconfirmed

Parent Sep 1, 2022

5.0

"Excellent facilities and values-based approach"

We've been impressed with the school's facilities, including the brand new sports centre. Our son feels supported by the values-based approach and is thriving in his studies. The school's commitment to wellbeing and safeguarding is also reassuring.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful

K

Kirsty T Unconfirmed

Parent Jan 20, 2022

4.0

"Mixed feelings about the school"

We're still getting to know the school and its community. While our daughter seems to be settling in well and enjoying her classes, we've had some concerns about the school's communication and the transition process from primary school. We're hoping to see some improvements in these areas.

Safety & Wellbeing 3/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 3/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful

H

Helen M Unconfirmed

Parent Oct 25, 2021

5.0

"Fantastic school with a great sense of community"

We're absolutely delighted with the school and its community. Our son is thriving academically and socially, and we feel supported by the school's staff and parents. The school's commitment to wellbeing and safeguarding is also reassuring, and we feel confident that our son is in a safe and happy environment.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

D

David B Unconfirmed

Parent Jun 15, 2020

5.0

"Outstanding education and character development"

My daughter graduated from the school three years ago and is now a successful student at university. The education she received was excellent, but it's the character development and values-based approach that's truly outstanding. The school helped her become a confident and compassionate young adult.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful