Cantell School is a secondary comprehensive and co-educational school located in Bassett, Southampton, near the Glen Eyre Halls and city centre. In 2024, Ofsted judged Cantell as an 'Outstanding' school.
History
Pre-1986
Before being known as Cantell School, it was originally two separate schools – Glen Eyre and Hampton Park Secondary School.
Hampton Park Secondary School was a mixed comprehensive school founded in 1929 and would later go defunct in 1972. It was located nearby to Glen Eyre School. Glen Eyre School was a comprehensive school founded in 1962. Glen Eyre would segregate its pupils into separate sections for males and females, each one with their staff. However, in 1967, these two areas would merge into one mixed school.
1986–2016
The school was opened by Gordon Higginson on 17 December 1986, with its first headteacher being Mr P. Robinson.
The school occupies the site that was previously home to Glen Eyre School. In 1988, the school occupied an area of approximately 4 hectares (9.9 acres) and it was proposed that 0.1 hectares (0.25 acres) of this be sold off for housing.
The School gained specialist status for Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology, in September 2003 and was known as Cantell Mathematics and Computing College until 2013, when the school returned to the original name of Cantell School. Along with the specialist status, the main school building was completed in 2003, replacing the previous East and West buildings which were constructed in the 1940s for Glen Eyre School, and which were in a state of disrepair. The school's sports hall along with a small electricity substation were the only parts of the old school to survive the rebuild.
In September 2004, the school received an OFSTED inspection, announced just before the new headteacher, Ruth Johnson,
Despite facing significant criticisms and challenges, the general consensus was that Johnson considerably improved the school, as it was under her leadership that the school left special measures category.
In 2008, the year Ms. Ruth Evans became headteacher, the school achieved improvements in Ofsted judgements, and in 2013, achieved its best ever GCSE results at the time (69% 5A*-C including English and Maths), and topped the City league tables for students' progress (Value Added). In the same year, the school was judged 'Good'.
List of Headteachers
Mr. P. Robinson (1986–1990)
Mr. David Burge (1990–2004)
Mrs. Ruth Johnson (2004–2008)
Ms. Ruth Evans (2008–2016)
Mr. Harry Kutty (2016 – present)
Present
Modern-day Cantell school serves as a diverse student body, being a School of Sanctuary since 2018. It offers over 70 different clubs and societies in many different areas including sports, arts, academic and support. It is also one of the only schools in Hampshire to offer Latin as part of the timetable.
The school also maintains strong partnerships with local authorities and businesses, such as the University of Southampton, NatWest, Hampshire Cricket and many others. The school participates in various competitions and events. The school also engages in community service and fundraising activities. Notable events include participation in Children in Need, Anti-Bullying Week, and World Mental Health Day. Additionally, Cantell organizes unique student experiences like the Year 7 New Forest survival day and Fine Dining events and many trips specific to subjects.
Cantell has begun to integrate modern technology into its curriculum, utilizing interactive whiteboards and online learning platforms. Comprehensive student support services, including counselling, special education programs, and career guidance, were put in place to ensure the well-being and future success of its students.
Facilities
On the bottom-most floor (Floor 0), the main cafeteria is found. The student support services and reception can be found here, along with the support hub. The music classes and some toilets can also be found on this floor.