Compare Bradon Forest School and The Dorcan Academy and The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Bradon Forest School (Secondary) in Swindon; The Dorcan Academy (Secondary) in Swindon; The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College (Secondary) in Swindon — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Bradon Forest School, The Dorcan Academy and The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Swindon, Wiltshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Bradon Forest School), published May 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College (Jun 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,150, combined total ≈ 3,400, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–30–35%; spread across trusts such as The Athelstan Trust and The White Horse Federation.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Bradon Forest School SN5 4AT	The Dorcan Academy SN3 5DA	The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College SN4 9DJ
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Swindon Wiltshire SN5 4AT	Swindon Wiltshire SN3 5DA	Swindon Wiltshire SN4 9DJ
Latest Ofsted	2 15 May 2023	2 8 Sep 2022	2 14 Jun 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 900 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1260	1234	1450
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	The Athelstan Trust	Swindon (866)	The White Horse Federation
Website	www.bradonforest.org.uk	www.dorcan.co.uk	www.ridgewayschool.com
Telephone	01793770570	01793525231	01793846100
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Bradon Forest School

SN5 4AT

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Swindon
Wiltshire
SN5 4AT
Ofsted: 2 15 May 2023
Pupils: ≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Athelstan Trust
Website: www.bradonforest.org.uk
Telephone: 01793770570

The Dorcan Academy

SN3 5DA

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 5DA
Ofsted: 2 8 Sep 2022
Pupils: ≈ 900 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Swindon (866)
Website: www.dorcan.co.uk
Telephone: 01793525231

The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College

SN4 9DJ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Swindon
Wiltshire
SN4 9DJ
Ofsted: 2 14 Jun 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The White Horse Federation
Website: www.ridgewayschool.com
Telephone: 01793846100

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.