Eltham College

Since 2014, Guy Sanderson MA (Oxon) PGCE. Raised in Zambia, grammar school in Lincolnshire, modern history at Trinity College, Oxford and (briefly) a stockbroker. He then changed tack, joined the UNHCR, delivered aid in Pakistan and Afghanistan and

Eltham was named London independent school of the year (2024) by the Sunday Times and record numbers attended a recent open day. Registrations are up but the head is keen to stress that it remains a local school and he does not aspire to having

Eight to Oxbridge, nine medics, dentists and vets and 70 per cent to Russell Group universities in 2024. Durham, Exeter, UCL, King’s College, London, Bristol, Warwick, Imperial and Edinburgh all feature, with economics, history, law and medicine the

In 2025, 88 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 67 per cent A*/A at A level (92 per cent A*-B)

Students we spoke to were enthusiastic about their learning and many mentioned the ‘amazing’ ICT support team who sort any issues with their laptops, including ‘finding’ work that has ‘just completely disappeared’, according to one relieved student.

The school caters for a wide range of SEND, including hearing and visual impairments as well as specific learning difficulties. EHCPs are welcomed provided the school can offer the necessary support.

Screening, in years 7, 9 and 12, ‘is

The college is ‘culturally properly pro-music,’ one young musician told us. The music department is a hub of extraordinary energy and enthusiasm with nearly 700 individual music lessons and 55 different ensembles rehearsing each week. GSCE music is

Fabulous facilities include extensive playing fields (including some top-notch Astro pitches) and, through a small door, the Eric Liddell sports centre, named after the school’s most famous alumnus. Reminiscent of the Tardis, the space behind this

Parents are confident that their children’s emotional and social needs will be met with one telling us, ‘A strong pastoral element is built-in from the get-go.’ Pupils all at ease discussing their feelings and know how and where to find help if they

Parents reflect the rich diversity of the local community and are described by the head as ‘utterly supportive’. One told us, ‘At Eltham, the whole family belongs, not just the children.’

Pupils here ‘have to want to work’ as the school has clear

Even with a 15 per cent fee increase due to VAT, parents we spoke to feel that the school is still good value for money.

Plenty of scholarships and most of real value, not just for kudos. The spaces and places programme aims to provide over 100

A popular and desirable school. Pupils are grounded, facilities are good and getting better, staff are enthusiastic, opportunities abound and results (already impressive) are on an upward trajectory. Parents who may once have dispatched their