Sir John Leman High School, Beccles
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 5 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Sir John Leman High School excels at creating an inclusive, caring environment where all pupils - including those with additional needs - achieve well and feel valued. The school offers an impressive range of enrichment activities including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, drama, music, sports and trips, ensuring every pupil can participate. Strong pastoral support and a clear behaviour policy mean pupils develop self-discipline and positive relationships with staff and peers.
Key Strengths
- Pupils perform particularly well in English and achieve strong GCSE results that compare favourably to national averages
- Positive behaviour culture is embedded across the school with consistent application of clear expectations
- Inclusive approach ensures disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND achieve well and can access all activities
- Strong leadership team has created ambitious improvements, particularly in behaviour and teaching quality
- Comprehensive careers education and work experience prepare pupils well for life beyond school
Areas for Improvement
- Some subjects need better support for developing pupils' writing skills
- A small minority of pupils occasionally use unkind language and do not consistently show respect and tolerance
- Post-16 A level outcomes have been below national averages, though recent improvements are being made
- Some interventions have limited impact and leaders need better monitoring to refine these provisions
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - the school has created an open and positive culture of safeguarding where all legal requirements are met and pupils feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, drama club, music, art, sporting opportunities, school council, fundraising activities, student leadership roles, careers fairs, work experience, trips and visits
Sir John Leman High School is a well-led school where pupils achieve well across key stages. The school has created a strong, inclusive culture with high expectations for all students and effective support systems in place.
At a Glance
22.6%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
22.5
Avg class size
57
Total classes
7 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
95%
Near capacity
1,404 pupils
1,476 capacity
72 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Beccles
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Beccles
Admissions Demand - Suffolk
Places available
8,496
Applications
7,401
Got 1st preference
92.0%
Got preferred school
97.4%
Secondary admissions across Suffolk (2025/26)
Inspection History(5)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
8.92861%
Overall absence
22.55352%
Persistent absence
1,308
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Sir John Leman High School
St Benet's RC Primary School and Nursery
The Albert Pye Community Primary School
Ravensmere Infant School
Beccles Primary Academy
Worlingham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Gillingham St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy
Ringsfield Church of England Primary School
Nearby Schools
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