Downside School vs Norton Hill Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South West, England, 3.2 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Downside School
Radstock · Independent secondary · Ages 11–18
249 students
Norton Hill Academy
Radstock · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,757 students
| Measure | Downside School Radstock, South West | Norton Hill Academy Radstock, South West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 17 Lower 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #379 of 402 | #71 of 402 |
| National rank | #3743 of 4,090 | #921 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Independent | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 249 | 1,757 |
| Pupils on roll | 249 | 1,757 |
| Free school meals | – | 18.2% |
| Capacity filled | 59.3% | 102.3% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 32.7 | 50.2 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 0% | 53.3% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 0% | 76.3% |
| EBacc average points | 3.32 | 4.44 |
| A level points per entry | 33.8 | 36.9 |
| town | Radstock | Radstock |
| region | South West | South West |
| Website | www.downside.co.uk | www.nortonhillschool.com |
The verdict
- •Norton Hill Academy scores higher on the Success Index (England) (72.3 vs 16.6).
- •Norton Hill Academy is the larger school with 1,757 students compared with 249.
- •Downside School is a independent school while Norton Hill Academy is a academy school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Downside School better than Norton Hill Academy?
On the Success Index (England), Norton Hill Academy ranks higher (72.3 vs 16.6 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Downside School and Norton Hill Academy?
About 3.2 km in a straight line, between Radstock and Radstock in South West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Downside School: 249. Norton Hill Academy: 1,757. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Downside School and Norton Hill Academy rank in South West?
Downside School is 379th of 402 and Norton Hill Academy is 71st of 402 among secondary schools in South West on the 2025 Success Index (England).