John O Gaunt School

[EllaBel]

Any reviews on JOG school? Seems to be the only one in our catchment area and doesn't have a 6th form. Where else would you be able to choose in this location if you don't fit other catchment areas? We are going to be based near Lambourne. Any tips gratefully received. Thanks!

St John’s Marlborough or Newbury schools.

JOG school is very small, academically struggles, options and setting in subjects is limited due to its size. Suffers from low aspirations generally probably as more able kids have historically been 'sent' elsewhere. It's major advantage is pastoral care - this is fantistic, particularly for students who need support. Every student is known to all staff which is a rarity in todays secondary school world.
A problem more recently is the scope to send kids elsewhere has retricted. St John's in Marlborugh is full (and JOG is now part of St Johns academy chain which makes taking students politically incorrect). St Barts in Newbury is exceptionally oversubscribed. Park House has typically been the alternative school in Newbury to send students from Hungerford/Lambourn. Whether this is 'better' depends on the student in my view. However, Park House has in very recent years become full and unable to take students from even Kintbury/Inkpen which are nearer than Hungerford/Lambourn. This is good for JOG school - it is getting a more varied intake of students but it still does suffer from restrictions of a small school. The most recent OFSTED is good - not sure I agree with this. Results are still questionable and I think the OFSTED was probably influenced by the knowledge of how to influence from the Excalibur academy chain. Another option for Lambourn based is King Alfreds in Wantage - has a good reputation but not a school I know and I do not know if it is over/under subscribed.

Thanks for feedback, where do the students end up going for 6th form?

Either St Johns Marlborough or St Barts Newbury generally.
St Barts was the school of choice last year even though JOG linked to St John's through academy chain.
Newbury more travel options as train available but doesn't really help if you're out at Lambourn.
Swindon New College and Newbury College alternatives for less academic choices - Swindon New college fantastic range of courses but people can be snobby about going to Swindon.
It should be noted that most 6th forms will accept students due to the way funding is allocated - the only way a school can easily increase its numbers (and funding) is through 6th form students so entry to 6th form is easier than entry in the lower years at Secondary.

Thanks woodlands 01

As a previous employee I am here to share my experiences and thoughts of leadership and culture at John O’Gaunt School, specifically under the Senior Leadership Team. My concerns relate to serious safeguarding issues, the wellbeing of staff, and systemic failures to follow proper procedures, which I believe have impacted both staff and students.
During my time working at the school, I experienced ongoing workplace bullying, intimidation, and gaslighting from senior leadership. Concerns I raised about workload, safeguarding practices, and professional boundaries were ignored or used against me. Rather than being supported, I was subjected to increasing pressure and micromanagement that negatively impacted my mental health. This culminated in what I believe constitutes constructive dismissal, as I felt forced to resign for the sake of my wellbeing.
Despite following the school’s internal grievance process and attempting to resolve issues informally and formally, I was met with a dismissive and defensive response. Key concerns were not adequately investigated or acknowledged. No meaningful action was taken, and the process itself lacked fairness and transparency. I have also submitted a Subject Access Request (SAR) to further document failings, and I am in the process of seeking legal advice.
My complaint also relates to a broader culture at the school where staff morale is low, safeguarding concerns are not properly escalated, and communication is poor. This environment places vulnerable pupils at risk and does not meet the expectations of a safe or supportive educational setting. It is my belief that Ofsted should be made aware of these serious issues so that they can conduct an independent review.
I have not yet made a complaint to another organisation, but I am considering contacting the local authority and professional bodies, depending on the outcome of this complaint. I hope this makes you think twice about this school.