Is Polden Bower School a good school?

Ofsted rated the school Good at its last graded inspection on 21 May 2024. The profile sets out the figures behind this.

What are Polden Bower School's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at Polden Bower School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 0.2 (England: 46.2). 0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

What are Polden Bower School's SATs results?

In the 2025 Key Stage 2 tests (SATs), 0% of pupils at Polden Bower School met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths (England: 62%).

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Polden Bower School

Bower Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 4GU

Ofsted: Good

Independent

Phase

200

Capacity

4-19

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 SATs · Ofsted inspection 21 May 2024.

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 0.2 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 0.0% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 0.0% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 22

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 100.0%
Continued in education: 100.0%
Apprenticeships: 0.0%
Employment: 0.0%
Not sustained: 0.0%

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 247
Boys: 168 (65%)
Girls: 92 (35%)
Capacity: 200 (130% full)
SEND: 100.0%
FSM Eligible: 44.1%
EAL: 8.9%
SEN with EHC Plan: 100.0%
SEN Support: 0.0%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 7.1:1
Teachers (FTE): 34.9
Budget per Pupil: £28,404/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 10.5% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 27.3% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Foundation special school
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery: Not applicable
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Not applicable

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 86.1%
White Other: 7.3%
Mixed Other: 2.0%
Asian Other: 1.6%
Gypsy/Roma: 0.8%
Mixed White & Black Caribbean: 0.8%
Black African: 0.8%
Other: 0.4%

86.1%

White British

7.3%

White Other

2.0%

Mixed Other

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01278496386

Office@poldenbower.org.uk

Visit website

Bower Lane

Bridgwater, South West

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Administrative

URN: 123938
UKPRN: 10015524
Establishment No.: 7003

Common questions about Polden Bower School

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