Ages 
Not a school to academically mollycoddle, better suiting self-starters who thrive when taking the initiative to seek out opportunities, take charge of their learning and who are well-organised. A place where pupils form solid friendships and are well-prepared for life beyond.
Why read our school review?
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.
Unlock to access
Overview & data
- Notes
- Co-ed sixth form
- Pupil numbers
- 1,264 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 455 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- London Borough of Bromley
Headteacher
Head
Mr Alan Blount
Since 2018, Alan Blount, previously deputy head for four years and before that, science teacher at Oxted School and Carshalton Boys Sports College. Graduated in biology and education from Exeter, followed by a master’s at Canterbury Christ Church
Entrance
Super-selective, with around 2,000 applicants for the 168 year 7 places. No catchment as such, with school creaming the top scorers of school’s own test (VR and NVR) from as far as families are willing to travel (in reality, most are local, but
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- Virtual Open Events can be accessed via the website, as well as in person. Open days for sixth form are in October and in July for Year 5. Small tours of the school can be arranged for a more personal experience.
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
A quarter depart post-GCSEs, mainly for independent schools. Ninety per cent of sixth formers to university, with some gap years. About a half to Russell Group (parents are very keen for this) to read eg medicine, law, economics and engineering.
% 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, 84 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 58 per cent A*/A at A level (84 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 86 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 47 per cent A*/A at A level (79 per cent A*-B).
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 level - 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
An aspirational culture and high academic expectations, but without undue pressure. ‘It’s lovely to be around students who just want to learn,’ a teacher told us. Curriculum deemed by school to be ‘more ambitious than the national curriculum’, with
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Pupils describe the support for the 10 per cent on the SEN register is ‘just right’. We were impressed to hear how mindful the school is of masking, making a particular effort to unpick, identify and get the appropriate assessments. Mild dyslexia,
Arts & extracurricular
Music is on the up after a hiatus. Around 200 pupils learn a variety of instruments and have vocal lessons with peri teachers. Junior orchestra, senior orchestra, jazz collective and folk group all back in action. The small but mighty chamber choir
Sport
Not known as a ‘sporty school’ but there’s no shortage of enthusiasm from pupils for netball (school’s main sport, played on the three courts), along with tennis in the summer. Four teams for football. Facilities are limited – and pupils groan about
Ethos & heritage
No-frills aesthetically, with typical late 1950s and 1960s buildings in the main. But facilities are due an upgrade, including new blocks for music and science, plus sports hall. ‘Not fast enough, though,' felt one parent. 'When you compare what we
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘United in diversity’ says a poster on the wall in reception – and true to its word, the school really goes to town on things like cultural arts week, which is packed with workshops eg African drummers. Feminist society, Afro-Caribbean society,
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 Students may bring their phones to school, but they must be switched off during the school day including break and lunchtime. Students should turn off their phones and put them away before registration in the morning and only turn them on again at the end of school day. Sixth Form: Students may bring their phones to school, but they must be out of sight during the school day except for independent study, break and lunch only in designated sixth form areas.
Pupils & parents
We found pupils positive, focused and eager to speak their minds – a good reflection of the independence of thinking nurtured here. They are also courteous, actively listening to each other’s points of views and engaging in constructive discussions
The last word
Not a school to academically mollycoddle, better suiting self-starters who thrive when taking the initiative to seek out opportunities, take charge of their learning and who are well-organised. A place where pupils form solid friendships and are
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 |
|---|
