The school lies to the south of the small town of Ledbury adjacent to the A449, with a campus enclosed by housing.

[2] The main building is a collection of two storey blocks, 10.4 metres (34 ft) to the ridge; facing-brick with concrete frames, glass and blue cladding and plain clay tiles to the vertical panels to the gables.

The curriculum at John Masefield High School is focused on enabling students to enjoy their studies and to maximise their achievement irrespective of their abilities.

Students mainly follow GCSE courses, but certain BTEC programmes and other modes of certification are offered.

[6] Adam Willis, known for winning the Turner Prize in 2015, attended the school, including the Sixth Form centre.