Is The Island Free School a good school?

Ofsted rated the school Good at its last graded inspection on 15 June 2023. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded C, 1st of 7 secondary schools in Isle of Wight. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are The Island Free School's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at The Island Free School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 45.8 (England: 46.2). 47.1% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at The Island Free School?

Applications for Year 7 places at The Island Free School starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

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The Island Free School

Newport Road, Ventnor, PO38 1BG

Local ranking1st of 7 secondary schools in Isle of Wight

Ofsted: GoodUpdated

Secondary

Phase

625

Capacity

11-16

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · Ofsted inspection 15 June 2023. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 45.8 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 47.1% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 73.1% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 119

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 93.0%
Continued in education: 88.0%
Apprenticeships: 2.0%
Employment: 2.0%
Not sustained: 5.0%

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 619
Boys: 305 (50%)
Girls: 308 (50%)
Capacity: 625 (98% full)
SEND: 17.3%
FSM Eligible: 20.4%
EAL: 1.9%
SEN with EHC Plan: 4.8%
SEN Support: 12.4%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 16.3:1
Teachers (FTE): 37.9
Budget per Pupil: £8,260/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

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

Overall Absence Rate: 6.9% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 18.2% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Free schools
Phase: Secondary
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 88.5%
Mixed White & Asian: 2.4%
White Other: 2.1%
Mixed Other: 2.1%
Mixed White & Black Caribbean: 1.3%
Mixed White & Black African: 1.3%
Black African: 1.0%
Asian Other: 0.5%

88.5%

White British

2.4%

Mixed White & Asian

2.1%

White Other

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01983857641

admin@theislandfreeschool.org

Visit website

Newport Road

Ventnor, South East

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Administrative

URN: 140691
UKPRN: 10046819
Establishment No.: 4002
Trust: ISLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Common questions about The Island Free School

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