Ages 
A remarkable school, doing remarkable work. Among its greatest virtues are its close identification with the local area – in socioeconomic terms, a very mixed area, but not of the kind which usually makes headlines. The school embodies a calm pride in itself. One parent said her daughter had told her after a recent prize giving, ‘I’ll always be a Prendergast girl.’ Her mother added: ‘Pretty good, I thought.’ So do we.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 945 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 370 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- London Borough of Lewisham
Headteacher
Executive headteacher
Ms. Kelly Lovegrove
Since 2021, Kelly Lovegrove.
Entrance
Ten per cent of places are for music scholars, via a series of aural tests designed to measure potential, rather than favour pupils who have already learned to sight read, or taken grade exams. The other 90 per cent of places are allocated on the
- Open days
- September
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just under half leave after GCSEs. Those who stay for the sixth form head for universities including Bristol, Imperial, King's College London, UCL, SOAS, the LSE, Durham, Warwick and Manchester. ‘Our top flyers include some from challenging
% 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, 43 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; at A level, 35 per cent A*/A (67 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
A level curriculum is broadly based with the opportunity to take BTECs in a number of cases. Prendergast is one of the top 10 per cent non-selective schools for attainment in the country. ‘One big plus,’ said a parent who has seen several children
Learning support & SEN
Arts & extracurricular
Very strong arts – textiles especially, and it is telling how prominently these feature in the school’s online promotional video.
A huge music profile. ‘Any pupil can learn almost any instrument at school,’ the school insists, ‘and many take up
Sport
Games are taken seriously, but the provision is not what you’d get in most independent schools. There’s one lesson a week for games lower down the school. Depending on the time of year, offers rugby, netball, football, rounders, cricket and
Ethos & heritage
Prendergast is just one of a cluster of local schools whose foundation was a result of philanthropy. It enjoys a close relationship with the Leathersellers, a livery company, which continues to invest in the school in a range of ways. Perhaps the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
We drew a strong sense of confidence from among pupils. They believe they are lucky to be in a school that is high achieving – the concept of ‘excellence’ and ‘outstanding’ are very real to them. There is also the sense that the teachers ‘really
Pupils & parents
Annual parents’ meetings for each year group with all subject teachers, and a termly report in addition. One parent emphasised how ready teachers are to set up individual meetings with parents if there are difficulties or anxieties which need more
Money matters
Support given to some students in the sixth form – 50 bursaries given this year. Three Leathersellers’ Federation bursaries awarded each year to students about to go to university, comprising £700 towards each year of study.
The last word
A remarkable school, doing remarkable work. Among its greatest virtues are its close identification with the local area – in socioeconomic terms, a very mixed area, but not of the kind which usually makes headlines. The school embodies a calm pride
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection:
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 |
