Ages 
Single sex (and co-ed at sixth form) comprehensive education at its best, and a solid option too with a long track record of turning out happy youngsters who reach their full potential and have the qualifications and soft skills to prove it. We like that it won’t pigeonhole itself into excelling in certain areas over others, making it a great place to study for all.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,573 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 373 ·
- Local authority
- Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
Headteacher
Headteacher
Emily Barns
Since 2021, Emily Barns, BA MA. Very much part of the furniture, having been here over a decade, first as assistant head of lower school then director of sixth form and finally deputy head (curriculum) before taking the helm. Previously associate
Entrance
Heavily oversubscribed, with over 900 applicants for 240 places in year 7. Six additional places available for those with a hearing impairment or speech and language related issues (Knollmead Primary School has expertise in this area, with other T
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Up to 35 per cent leave post GCSEs, most to local grammars or sixth form colleges. School working on hanging on to greater numbers in future – their ‘day in the life of a sixth former’ offered to all year 11s is an innovative tool, giving students
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
School refuses to release exam results. At A level in 2023, 15 per cent A*/A (34 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.
Teaching & learning
Consistently impressive results at all levels. English GCSE results the highest in the borough and maths worth a special mention. At A level, history, English, classics shine brightest.
Parents would be bonkers to bust a gut securing a plac
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Low-ish numbers of pupils with SEN (also currently a fifth, seven with EHC plan), all supported in timetabled hours, with everything from teaching in lessons to room 41 – a dedicated haven for those struggling with sensory or emotional overload in
Arts & extracurricular
We happened upon a talented sixth former tinkling away on the ivories of the grand piano in the music department – could have listened all day. Orchestras, ensembles and rock bands galore, with good take up of individual instrument lessons (if yo
Sport
Likes to bring home the silverware, but fitness for life is the real end game, claims school. Netball, tag rugby, dance, gymnastics, athletics all enthusiastically and energetically embraced in on site facilities which include large sports hall, s
Ethos & heritage
Set in heart of New Malden, between lush Kingston Hill mansions and more workaday housing and on same compact site since foundation in 1955 as Coombe County Secondary School. Site is spotless, with plenty of greenery including the year 7 ‘orchard’
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Exceptional transition phase, new pupils eased in with visits to feeder primaries and summer school at end of year 6. Website is big on reassurance, with relaxed pupils sharing tips, and all read the same book in the summer ready for ice-breaking
Pupils & parents
Surprisingly ethnically diverse for Surrey, a fact celebrated by school. Socioeconomically varied too – families from the mansions in New Malden to the Cambridge estate in Kingston – ‘makes for good social cohesion,’ thought student. We found stud
Money matters
Asks for annual payment of £120 per family – voluntary, some families contributing more. ‘Not ideal, but what else can they do in today’s budget cutting climate?’ said one parent.
The last word
Single sex (and co-ed at sixth form) comprehensive education at its best, and a solid option too with a long track record of turning out happy youngsters who reach their full potential and have the qualifications and soft skills to prove it. We li
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|
