Ages 
For those able to stretch to the local independents, there may be more peace of mind, particularly for the most able and ambitious, elsewhere. For parents looking for a vibrant school with a growing academic capability and a uniquely inspiring daily environment, join the crowds heading this way.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 2,550 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 440 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- London Borough of Southwark
- Area guides
- School ownership
- The Kingsdale Foundation (Single Academy Trust)
Headteacher
Executive headteacher
Mr S Morrison - Executive
Since 1998, Steve Morrison, previously senior teacher and head of maths here in the 1980s. Andrew Sear is operational headteacher.
Entrance
Admissions to year 7 via the local authority common application form – simply place the school as high up the list of preferences as possible for a chance of a place and await National Offers Day. Most recently applications stood at 11 to one. Pupils
- Open days
- September, October and November
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 60 per cent of students achieve places at Russell Group/other top universities which include Durham, Bristol, University College London, King’s College London, Manchester, York and Warwick. Others recently to Central Saint Martins and Kingston
% 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
In 2024, 55 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 92 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English; at A level, 42 per cent A*/A (69 per cent A-B). School didn’t publish GCSE results in 2023, but we do know that almost 90 per cent achieved 9-5 in both English and maths; 45
GCSE - % 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.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Results are on an upwards trajectory. Highest performing subjects usually maths, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, Latin, textiles, food technology and statistics.
Although head is keen for the school to showcase its achievers, he
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
For nine successive years, it has been identified as a special school for inclusion. One mother said of her experience and that of her children: ‘They’ve been treated like they have a voice. We’ve been listened to. It isn’t a one size fits all
Arts & extracurricular
Music is truly outstanding and adds a real vibrancy to the school. The head of music, at the school long before the current regime, is renowned for her ability to inspire and her ambition for the children who may not have picked up an instrument
Sport
The school has little outside space, but there are some courts and pitches behind the main building. To the rear is the new sports hall, seemingly made of golden plywood. It contains courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and more,
Ethos & heritage
A local authority school which was cause for concern by the late 1990s, it was completely reimagined to the tune of £30m under a new management team and with the involvement of a design and innovation consultancy which placed the design of the new
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
A large school, but staff work to make it manageable, particularly for those joining year 7, with divisions between the upper and lower schools and induction days. There are buddies, junior and senior school prefects and a house system. Around a
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review The Academy is currently in the process of becoming a smart-phone free school in years 7-10. Students in year 7 may only bring a traditional/brick phone onto the school site. Smartphones are permitted in years 8-11 until 01/09/26. All phones on site must be kept switched-off and out of site whilst on the school premises. Sixth form students may use their smart phone devices only in sixth form designated areas.
Pupils & parents
From all walks of life and backgrounds and from all across London. Many join in little bands from their local state primaries in East Dulwich, Herne Hill, Crystal Palace, Gypsy Hill and Forest Hill. But as there is unusually no distance criterion,
Money matters
Unusually for a state school, scholarships are available in music and sports at year 7 entrance. The awards comprise additional tuition and coaching, such as £1,000 worth of instrumental lessons for music and a scholar's programme – the musicians
The last word
For those able to stretch to the local independents, there may be more peace of mind, particularly for the most able and ambitious, elsewhere. For parents looking for a vibrant school with a growing academic capability and a uniquely inspiring daily
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
