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Reviewed

St. Olave's Grammar School

State school · Orpington, BR6 9SH
  • Secondary
  • Boys
  • Ages 11-18
  • 1,087 pupils
Academically selective state school
We've reviewed this school • Unlock to access

For the bright, motivated boy who is prepared to knuckle down, St Olave's is an excellent fit. As one parent put it, 'Very good, very impressive, very supportive. And we haven't had to pay for it.'

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.

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,087 ·
Sixth form numbers
452 ·
Religion
C of E
Local authority
London Borough of Bromley

Headteacher

Headteacher

Mr Andrew Rees

Since September 2018, Andrew Rees, previously assistant and acting head. A chemist, he had been holding the fort since the resignation of Aydin Önaç. The school hit the headlines in 2017 as parents threatened legal action when their children were

Entrance

Roughly 1,100 boys apply for 124 places, and an additional four places are offered to choral scholars who must pass the same stringent entrance tests.

New admissions policy for entry into year 7. First stage is logic, maths and English test in

Admissions policy
Academically selective state school
Open days
October, June

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Other 69 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Unknown 16 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
Warren Road Primary School 9 %
Darrick Wood Junior School 3 %
Crofton Junior School 3 %
Data highlight

Exit

At 16, the great majority to St Olave's sixth form, although between four and eight per cent of year 11 students don't get the grades needed and have to leave. Those failing to get three Bs in year 12 have also been eased out in order to keep results

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
93%
LA avg.
68%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

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, 95 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 74 per cent A*/A at A level (93 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
100%
LA avg.
73%
Eng. avg.
60%
Data highlight

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)

School
49.40
LA avg.
36.18
Eng. avg.
35.69
Data highlight

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

By any measure, St Olave's results are top-notch. Maths particularly strong at GCSE. 'We have the very highest aspirations for all our students, and that translates into having the highest expectations. It's a given at St Olave's.' Parents and boys

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
61
Number of teachers
18:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

0 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
6.1 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

The arts are strong. 'The jazz band is terrific,' said one parent, remembering a recent concert in Croydon's Fairfield Halls. Lots of choral singing, with all tastes catered for - 'I sing in six choirs!' one boy told us, proudly - and the school

Sport

There can't be many state schools where rugby and Eton fives are the main sports. Fives is hugely popular, with many boys playing it every day (‘It's quick and easy, and you can play it in your uniform!’) - and they recently trounced many public

Ethos & heritage

Originally located in Tooley Street, Southwark, St Olave's received its royal charter in 1571: display cases in the corridors show treasures from its archive collection, and watercolours show the school at its various stages. It moved to its present

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

Mixed responses from parents, with some praising the school's 'very caring ethos', and others saying that bullying issues took too long to be resolved. Strong prefect system ensures older boys take responsibility for leading and mentoring the younger

Pupils & parents

From all over the borough and beyond; nearly 50 per cent from ethnic minorities. Less diverse socially, with only two per cent of students on free school meals. Extremely supportive and active parents' association, which works tirelessly to raise

1,087
Number of pupils

Money matters

State-funded grammar school, supported by Bromley education authority and the diocese of Rochester. Parents invited to pay around £500 pa in voluntary contributions to help pay for facilities, etc. Accused of misleading parents by hiding considerable

The last word

For the bright, motivated boy who is prepared to knuckle down, St Olave's is an excellent fit. As one parent put it, 'Very good, very impressive, very supportive. And we haven't had to pay for it.'

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

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

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding

What the school says

Entrance criteria as follows: Age 11 English & Maths tests. At age 16, 8 B grades gained by the start of the sixth form term.

Contact the school

Address

Goddington Lane
Orpington
Kent
BR6 9SH
Get directions

Telephone: 01689 820101

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.saintolaves.net

Local authority: London Borough of Bromley

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School data & information St. Olave's Grammar School Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9SH
1,087 Pupil numbers
452 Sixth form numbers
2 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
37 % Pupils whose first language is not English
18:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
61 Number of teachers
6 Number of teaching assistants
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by St. Olave's Grammar School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
100%
LA avg.
73%
Eng. avg.
60%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
85.80
LA avg.
50.50
Eng. avg.
44.20

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

1.27 Score Well above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 17 8
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 11 9
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 126 9
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 19 8
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 126 9
Latin GCSE (9-1) Full Course 41 8
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 83 9
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 34 9
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 86 9
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 43 9
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 126 9
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 126 8
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 67 9
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 91 9
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 126 9
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 126 9
Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 16 8

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
73%
LA avg.
23%
Eng. avg.
20%

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.

Average points score (2024)

School
49.40
LA avg.
36.18
Eng. avg.
35.69

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.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Religious Studies GCE A level 18 A
Physics GCE A level 81 A*
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 72 A*
Mathematics GCE A level 201 A*
History GCE A level 22 A
Geography GCE A level 15 A
English Literature GCE A level 23 A*
Economics GCE A level 71 A
Design and Technology (Product Design) GCE A level 7 A
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 29 A
Chemistry GCE A level 110 A
Biology GCE A level 76 A
Religious Studies GCE AS level 13 A
Physics GCE AS level 36 B
Latin GCE AS level 6 A
History GCE AS level 8 A
Geography GCE AS level 14 A
French GCE AS level 9 A
English Literature GCE AS level 11 A
Economics GCE AS level 38 A
Design and Technology (Product Design) GCE AS level 7 B
Computer Studies / Computing GCE AS level 18 A
Chemistry GCE AS level 31 A
Biology GCE AS level 17 A

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

St. Olave's Grammar School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

There is a teacher with responsibility for the coordination of the special needs and support programme in the school. This Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is involved in the process of identifying and supporting those pupils who have specific learning difficulties. The SENCO oversees support for any statemented pupils and arranges liaison between the pupil, the school, the LA services and parents. A Governor has the allocated role of being the link with the SENCO. There is regular training for all staff on issues of special needs education.

0 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
6.1 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

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

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding
Our data explained
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