2026/2027 Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich
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BISHOP JUSTUS
CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL SUCCESS THROUGH FAITH, LOVE & LEARNING
Discover a school where every student belongs and thrives!
OPEN EVENING
TUESDAY ND 22 SEPTEMBER Start time 6pm
Headteacher’s Speech at 6:30pm
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Tuesday 29th September Tuesday 6th October Tuesday 13th October
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Contents
2
Bishop Justus CE School
3
The Charter School Bermondsey
4-5
Key information for parents and guardians
6
Ark Walworth Academy
7
Bacon’s College
8
Conisborough College
9
Eltham College
10-11
Haberdashers’ Borough Academy
12-13
Haberdashers’ Hatcham College
14
Key information for parents and guardians
15
John Roan School
16-17
Kingsdale Foundation School
19
Key information for parents and guardians
20
Orion Eden Park
21
Royal Greenwich Trust School
22-23
St Dunstan’s College
24-25
St Michael’s Catholic College
26
St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School
27
St Thomas the Apostle School
28
Key information for parents and guardians
29
Westminster City School
30
Kingsdale Foundation School Sixth Form
32
Trinity CE School
Published by Community Matters Media Ltd. Phone: 020 7232 1639. Email: hello@cm-media.co.uk Available online / iPad & smartphone compatible at: www.essentialguidetoeducation.co.uk Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: Southwark News, South London Weekly and Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines The South Londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker. In addition to our unrivalled coverage across south London, we are proud to have the only independent, paid-for newspaper in London in the Southwark News. You can view all of our content on our sites: www.southwarknews.co.uk and www.southlondon.co.uk or read the digital publications themselves. You can also sign up to newsletters to stay informed about news, lifestyle & events, people, sport and history, or follow us on social media.
4 Key information for parents and guardians
What to look for when choosing a school - what do the experts say? By Evie Flynn Choosing a secondary school is a big decision for any parent. With different types of schools, including faith schools, academies, free schools and those with specialist subjects or facilities, the choice can feel daunting. So, what should parents actually look for when comparing schools and deciding which one is the best fit? We spoke to Pepe Di’Iasio, the General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and a headteacher of 11 years, to hear what parents should really consider when choosing a school.
Ofsted reports
Perhaps the most familiar marker of a school’s performance is its Ofsted report. The familiar one or two word judgements of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement and Inadequate have now been replaced under Ofsted’s new inspection approach. Instead, state-funded schools are assessed across six core evaluation areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership – with each given a five-point grade. Not every school has been inspected under the new system, however, so parents may still come across older reports. Di’Iasio said the new-style reports could give parents useful information about a school, including its curriculum, pupils’ progress and how well it met the needs of its children.
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders.
However, he warned that an inspection could only provide a “snapshot” of what a school provided, based on what inspectors saw over a period of a few days. The report should therefore be treated as an important indicator, but also as only one part of the picture, rather than the final word on a school.
Exam results
Exam results are another useful way of using data to compare schools and understand how well pupils perform. “There’s no doubt that exam results are important and you’ll want to look at how well the school achieves for its pupils,” he said. “But there are other important things to take into account, in particular how well the school supports all of its pupils and the sense of belonging they have within the school community.” Parents should also consider how much progress pupils make from their starting points, rather than simply looking at final grades. Di’Iasio recommends looking at the curriculum too. Does it offer opportunities across sciences, languages, arts and sport? And what support is available for pupils who are falling behind? He also cautioned against putting too much weight on results broken down by gender, saying good schools should be focused on doing the best for every individual pupil.
Key information for parents and guardians 5
GCSE grades explained In 2017 the old A*-G system was replaced with the current 9-1 scale. 9 is now the highest GCSE score, and 1 the lowest. U means ‘ungraded’. Although the two scales are not directly comparable, the bottom of a grade 7 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade A, the bottom of grade 4 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade C, and the bottom of grade 1 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade G. If a job requires at least a grade C, the equivalent would be at least a grade 4. The majority of sixth forms and colleges require 5 to 6 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above to go on to study A Levels, often with at least a 6 in the subjects chosen for A Level - but this is often down to individual schools’ policies. If your child has their heart set on a particular subject or route - these requirements could be key things to consider.
Open Days
Comparison websites
Grades and ratings can only tell you so much. Visiting a school on their Open Days gives parents and prospective pupils a chance to get to know a school on a deeper level. Di’Iasio advised speaking to pupils and asking a simple question: “What is it like to go to this school?” He also highlighted the importance of looking at the facilities – not just things like science labs, and sports provision, but also the basics, like toilets. Parents should take note of how the school ‘feels’ and whether it is somewhere your child will be happy. Overall, the open day should be treated as an inside look at a school.
Gov.UK has a useful comparison website for parents, allowing you to pick your top choices of schools and compare side by side data on exam results and the number of pupils staying in education. Two key measures you may not have heard of are particularly important - attainment 8 and progress 8. Attainment 8 measures the average achievement of pupils in up to 8 key qualifications - showing what they have achieved. Progress 8 aims to show the progress pupils make from the end of primary school to the end of Key Stage 4, comparing pupils’ results to others nationally, who had similar academic starting points showing how far they’ve come. Di’Iasio said schools serving pupils with a broader mix of abilities, for example, might not appear at the top of a results table despite doing an excellent job. His advice is simple: use the data to inform your questions, then visit the school yourself.
Specialisms
A school’s specialisms can be really important, particularly if your child has a strong interest in a particular subject or particular sports activity. However, he said parents should also make sure the school provided a strong foundation in core subjects. “English and maths is at the heart of everything – they’re gateway subjects to all other learning,” he said.
Ultimately, Di’Iasio said parents should look at the “huge range of provision and support” offered by a school beyond performance tables and inspections. “Choose a school that is the best fit for your child,” he said. “The most important question is ‘will they be happy there?’”
6 Secondary Schools
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SEPTEMBER 23RD | 24TH | 29TH | 30TH
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Secondary Schools 7
A fully inclusive Church of England academy in the heart of Canada Water. Proud to be rated an official “School of Character” in 2026.
Open Evening - Thursday 10th September 2026 (5-7pm) Open Mornings:
- Saturday 12th September (10am-midday)
- Thursday 17th September (9-10:30am)
- Wednesday 16th September (9-10:30am)
- Wednesday 23rd September (9-10:30am) - Thursday 24th September (9-10:30am)
www.baconscollege.co.uk COURAGE | COMPASSION | RESPECT | FAITH | INTEGRITY
8 Secondary Schools
Take a fresh look at TTake Conisborough College An ambitious, thriving community school in the heart of South East London.
Open Evening Tuesday 22nd September 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Open Mornings Tuesdays & Fridays at 9am during term time.
Visitors are welcome throughout the year,r,r find out more at www.conisboroughcollege.co.uk. @conisboroughcollege
Secondary Schools 9
“A reputation to challenge any competitors” “The whole family belongs” Good Schools Guide
open day For 7+, 8+, 11+ and 16+ entry
Saturday 19 September 2026 10am until 1pm
eltham-college.org.uk Scan QR code or visit our website
admissions@eltham-college.org.uk
The Essential Guide to Education- Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley Advert.indd 1
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10 Secondary Schools
Become your best at Borough Academy Nestled in the heart of SE1, Haberdashers’ Borough Academy is a vibrant community school dedicated to nurturing academic excellence and personal growth. Our mission is simple: we aim for pupils to ‘Become their best at Borough’ in every aspect of their lives. Through our school values, shaped by our students, we expect our learners to become excellent ambassadors for their community by working hard to achieve their aspirations whilst becoming kind and resilient citizens. Our central London location provides unparalleled opportunities, partnering with worldleading organisations, to enrich our curriculum and ignite a passion for learning. Part of Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, with a legacy of excellence since 1876, we share a common ambition to be outstanding schools rooted in our communities. Our Haberdashers’ Advantage programme offers a world of opportunities, ensuring students develop into well-rounded individuals ready for any future pathway. We maintain the highest expectations in presentation, respect, and commitment to learning, creating an environment where students can truly thrive. Our strong pastoral care ensures every child is known and supported, fostering a close-knit, caring community. Though our journey is relatively new, our ambitions are bold, and our achievements substantial. We invite you to visit and see our thriving school in action. We look forward to welcoming you.
www.habsborough.org.uk/open-events
Secondary Schools 11
Find out more at our Open Events Open Evening Thursday 1 October 4-8pm Open Morning Tours 9—10.30am 23 & 30 September 7 & 14 October Book here
Become your best at Borough Academy, an 11–18 Haberdashers’ secondary school in SE1, where our ambitions are bold.
12 Secondary Schools
Inspiring Excellence and Developing Character At Haberdashers’ Hatcham College, we empower young people to transform their lives and those of others. Our ethos – Dream, Grow, Create – underpins a love of learning in a nurturing, structured environment where academic success and character development go hand in hand. We have high expectations for all our pupils, focusing on developing the currency (exam results), character and confidence needed to thrive in school and beyond. Our values – mutual respect, equality of opportunity, pursuit of excellence and community contribution – guide every aspect of school life. Pupil experience blends tradition and innovation. We celebrate effort and resilience through rewards assemblies and our annual Speech Day, and foster leadership through roles such as senior prefects. Learning goes beyond the classroom with a rich enrichment offer, from daily silent reading to trips, performances and a broad KS3 elective curriculum. As part of Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, with a legacy dating back to 1876, we are proud to be rooted in our community and ambitious for our future. Our Haberdashers’ Advantage programme opens doors to full-time careers support, networking events, masterclasses and scholarships from the Haberdashers’ Company – helping pupils to realise their potential and shape a better world. Join us at Hatcham College – where excellence, character and opportunity flourish.
www.habshatcham.org.uk/open-days
Secondary Schools 13
Find out more at our Open Events Open Evening Thursday 1 October 4-8pm Open Morning Tours 9.15—10.15am 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 October Book here Music Scholar Application Deadline Monday 21 September by 4pm
Hatcham College is an 11–18 Haberdashers’ secondary school in New Cross SE14, where tradition meets innovation.
14 Key information for parents and guardians
How to choose a school with SEND in mind: By Evie Flynn Parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) will want to consider how well each school can support their child before putting it on their application form. SEND covers a wide range of needs, from autism and ADHD to speech and language difficulties, physical disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, and social, emotional and mental health needs. We spoke to Jane Orr, Director of the Bloomfield Dyslexia Centre, which provides specialist literacy teaching and support to children and young adults with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. Working predominantly with schools across Southwark and Lambeth, Jane has shared her advice on what parents should consider when choosing a secondary school for a child with SEND.
1 Speak to your child’s primary school
For parents whose children will be starting secondary school in September 2027, there is plenty of time to speak to their child’s primary school and begin conversations about what additional support their child may need as they transition to secondary school. Jane recommends that parents speak to the primary school SENDCO to find out how their child is faring. This could include asking whether the child is likely to need additional literacy support, access to quiet or breakout spaces, assistive technology or other personalised adjustments. The primary school can provide relevant information and reports to the secondary school, to help inform the support the child receives. Jane explains that establishing and understanding their child’s individual needs early in the application process can help parents identify what they should be looking for in a school.
2 Research the secondary school’s SEND provision
The first place to look is each school’s individual SEND Information Report, which is usually available on its website. Jane says what parents should look for, however, will depend on their child’s individual needs. “SEN is so encompassing – it’s a very wide umbrella,” she says. A school may have strong provision for one type of need but not necessarily have the specialist support required by another child. Jane says to look out for the following: do they have a special needs department? How many teachers and TAs do they have? What are the typical class sizes? “Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can experience sensory overload when transitioning from a small school,”
Jane explains. “Asking about class sizes can help parents understand whether the school environment is likely to be manageable for their child.” For a child with dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty, for example, parents may want to find out whether staff have relevant specialist training.
3 Visit the school and speak to their SENDCO
Only so much can be found out online. Jane recommends that parents make contact with a potential school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO) as soon as possible. The SENDCO should be able to explain what support a school can provide. Parents should ask to speak directly to the SENDCO to explain their child’s needs and ask how the school would support them.
4 Ask about post-14 options
When choosing a school, Jane says parents should also think beyond the first few years of secondary school and ask what options are available to pupils after the age of 14. She says parents may want to ask about vocational training and how flexible the school is around GCSE choices. For some children with dyslexia and significant literacy difficulties, certain subjects, like languages, can be particularly challenging and can become a source of stress. Finding out what support is available, and whether the school can offer flexibility around a child’s academic needs, can therefore be important. Parents should ask what routes are available if the traditional academic pathway is not the best fit for their child.
5 Outside support
Parents can also ask whether the school works with outside agencies when pupils need additional support. This could include speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and other specialist services like NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Jane adds: “This can give parents a better understanding of how the school responds when a child’s needs go beyond the support it can provide internally.”
Overall:
Jane says parents should not put too much emphasis on a school’s academic achievements when deciding where their child will be happiest and best supported. A school with strong GCSE results or a good overall reputation may not necessarily be the right environment for every child with SEND. Jane’s advice is to establish what your child needs first, and then find a school that can provide that support. “You have got to focus on your own child and you have to fight for them,” she says.
Secondary Schools 15
Come and visit us this autumn! Open Mornings
Open Evening
Tuesday 15th September Wednesday 7th October 2026 Tuesday 22nd September (4-7pm)) Tuesday 29th September Tuesday 6th October ((All 9:00-10:30am))
Find out more and an nd book online at www.thejohnroanschool.org.uk. www.thejohnroa anschool.org.uk. @johnroanschoolofficial @johnroan nschoolofficial
Successful Succ cessful Oxbridge candidates year after ye year. ear. r r.
26% of all A Level entries were graded A* - A in 2026.
16 Secondary Schools
Secondary Schools 17
EXCELLENT GCSE RESULTS AT KINGSDALE FOUNDATION SCHOOL AGAIN!
Charlotte Grades: 2 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 2 Grade 7s Today was just the beginning of my future and I couldn’t have done it without the support from family, friends and amazing teachers who have helped me along my journey.
Oscar Grades: 11 Grade 9s, 1 Grade 8 and 1 Grade 7 Kingsdale is a 10/10 school, ... You’re all the best.
Holly Grades: 6 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7 Thank you so much to all the amazing teachers at Kingsdale who helped me reach my full potential and push me to achieve my best.
Kunti Grades: 2 Grade 9s, 3 Grade 8s and 7 Grade 7s Very happy to have achieved these results at Kingsdale. It means a lot to know my hard work paid off.
Rosa Grades: 6 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7 I’m so happy and proud of my results! I’m really grateful to my teachers for allowing me to do well in my chosen subjects so that I feel confident taking them for A Level.
Reuben Grades: 2 Grade 9s, 5 Grade 8s and 3 Grade 7s Whilst I am extremely happy about how I did in my best subjects, i.e. History and Music, I’d say my biggest achievement is getting two 7s and an 8 in Science from almost failing all of them by the end of Year 10. Hard work does pay off.
Kingsdale is celebrating another set of excellent GCSE results in 2026, with numerous exceptional individual and collective achievements to declare. Over 10 students achieved 8 or more GCSE Grade 9s, with 3 achieving 10 or more. Approximately 100 students achieved 8 or more 7 - 9 GCSE Grades, with over 225 achieving the English Baccalaureate. We applaud the dedication, talent and hard work of students, staff and parents who have collaborated so successfully to generate yet another set of splendid GCSE outcomes for themselves and the school.
Ethan Grades: 10 Grade 9s and 1 Grade 8 I am extremely proud of the results I achieved here at Kingsdale and am ecstatic to find out my hard work and effort paid off! Thank you to all the teachers and everyone who has supported me during my time here!
www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk
18 Secondary Schools
Key information for parents and guardians 19
How to apply for secondary school and key dates: By Evie Flynn
How applications work: When choosing which secondary school you want your child to attend, you can’t name a school and assume that your child will automatically be offered a place. Instead, in Greenwich, Lewisham and Bromley you can list up to six secondary schools in order of preference. These can be schools in your home borough or elsewhere in London. The admissions process opens on 1 September 2026 for children starting secondary school in September 2027. The deadline for applications in both boroughs is 31 October 2026, with National Offer Day on 1 March 2027. Each school can have its own admissions criteria, so it’s important to check the requirements for each school before applying, which can be found on their websites.
How do you rank schools?
When you apply, you should list your schools in the order you would most like your child to attend them. Your first choice should be the school you would most prefer, followed by your second, third and subsequent choices. Listing a school as your first choice does not give your child priority over another applicant who has ranked it lower. Schools apply their published admissions criteria when deciding which children are offered places. It is important to use all six preferences if you can, as this can increase the chances of receiving an offer from a school you would be happy for your child to attend. You can make changes to your online application up until the closing date on 31 October 2026.
On offer day:
After you have submitted your application, the council will send an email on 1st March 2027 to confirm your child’s offer. If your child hasn’t been offered one of your preferred schools, you can ask to be placed on the waiting list. Waiting lists are ranked according to each school’s published admissions criteria, rather than simply being first-come, first-served. Parents can also appeal if they are unhappy with the school place offered. As there is no guarantee your appeal will be successful, parents are advised to accept a place at an alternative school in the meantime. Accepting another school does not impact the outcome of the appeal. If parents are appealing for the secondary school place they have
Key dates for the diary: 1st September 2026: Applications open 31st October 2026: Deadline for applications 1st March 2027: National Offer Day
been given in another borough, parents need to contact the school or local authority it is in directly. The admissions team phone numbers for every London borough are available on the Southwark Council website. Places can become available after Offer Day, so children may subsequently be offered a higher-preference school if a place becomes available.
Where to apply:
Parents living in Greenwich, Lewisham and Bromley can apply online from 1 September 2026 through the council websites: • Greenwich: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/schools-and-education • Lewisham: lewisham.gov.uk/admissions • Bromley: bromley.gov.uk/secondary-school-admissions
20 Secondary Schools
pen Events Orion
Eden Park
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in a modern, wellresourcedϵ͘ϭϱĂŵ building Ŷ DŽƌŶŝŶŐƐ Ͳ ƚŚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌand in Beckenham, ƵĞƐĚĂLJ Ϯϵ proudly part of the ƚŚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ ϯϬ OrionƚŚEducation DŽŶĚĂLJ ϭϮ KĐƚŽďĞƌ Trust. At the heart of our school is a vibrant and diverse community, united by a shared ambition: to drive social mobility and transform the life chances of every student. We are committed to achieving this in two key ways:
Firstly, we deliver a high-quality, ambitious education that secures excellent outcomes for all students, regardless of their starting point, ability, or individual needs. Our curriculum is broad, challenging, and inspiring, designed to nurture curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Secondly, we believe that education extends far beyond academic success. Our school provides a rich and supportive environment where character is developed over time, enabling students to grow into confident, articulate, and well-rounded young adults. We recognise that success in today’s world requires adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning; qualities we actively cultivate in all our students. Our most recent Ofsted inspection recognised the strength of our provision, highlighting strong standards in attendance and behaviour, which underpin our warm, respectful, and inclusive environment. The report also highlighted our strong leadership and governance, alongside our strong commitment to student wellbeing and personal development. We are proud to offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities that place the
whole child at the centre of school life. These extend well beyond traditional after-school clubs, encompassing trips, visits, leadership opportunities, and highquality careers guidance. Through these experiences, we broaden horizons, raise aspirations, and empower students fully to explore the opportunities available to them.
Open Events Open Evening Wednesday 23rd September 2026 5pm – 8pm
Open Events
At our school, academic achievement and personal development go hand in hand. Together, they equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their next steps and beyond. In March 2026, Ofsted praised the school’s ethos and provision, noting that “There are warm and respectful relationships between pupils and staff,” that “The school’s enrichment offer is extensive,” and that “Leaders have created an inclusive culture; there are high expectations for all pupils.”
KƉĞŶ ǀĞŶŝŶŐ
Open Mornings tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ ϮϯƌĚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϲ - 9.15am ϱƉŵ – ϴƉŵ Tuesday 29th Sept Wednesday 30th Sept KƉĞŶ DŽƌŶŝŶŐƐ Ͳ ϵ͘ϭϱĂŵ Monday 12th Oct ƚŚ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ Ϯϵ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ ϯϬƚŚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ If you would like to book a tour of our Book an ƚŚ school and view our state of the art DŽŶĚĂLJ ϭϮ KĐƚŽďĞƌ facilities or would like to speak with our Head of School please do visit our website, give us a call or email us: www.orionedenpark.org.uk enquiries@edenpark.orionedu.org.uk 0203 948 3864
Open Morning Tour:
Secondary Schools 21
Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow. Your journey of transformation continues at Royal Greenwich Trust School
WELCOMING YEAR 6 FAMILES BOOK TODAY OPEN EVENTS Open Mornings (9:15-11am) Tuesday 15th September Tuesday 22nd September Tuesday 6th October Tuesday 13th October Tuesday 20th October
Open Evening (4-7pm) Thursday 1st October
SCAN TO ATTEND
Exclusive partnerships with:
22 Secondary Schools
Rethink your child’s education.
We have. Book our open day to discover how: Saturday 19 September
Award-winning Coeducational London School 3-18 | stdunstans.org.uk
Secondary Schools 23
Rooted in South London, ready for the world How St Dunstan’s College is rethinking education – and who can access it
St Dunstan’s College is having its best run in 138 years. The south London school’s 2026 A Level results were the strongest in its history, and its GCSE cohort followed the same trajectory a fortnight later. Currently, the school ranks in the top 25 schools in the UK for its A Level results, according to The Times league table, and holds a London Independent School of the Year shortlist place, wins for both Academic Excellence and Sporting Development at the Private Education Awards, and a place in The Times Parent Power Top 100. For St Dunstan’s, it’s about more than grades. The founding headmaster, Charles Stuart, built the country’s first purpose-designed school science laboratories because he believed pupils learned best by doing, not by being told — a heuristic instinct that still shapes the College today, most visibly in the Stuart Additional Curriculum, which runs alongside the academic timetable across three strands: Thriving in the Future, preparing pupils for careers that don’t yet exist; Connected Lives, digital citizenship and global responsibility; and Thinking Without Limits, creativity and critical thought. The Good Schools Guide has independently described the result as a ‘Renaissance-style education’. That renaissance thinking extends to who gets to have it. St Dunstan’s bursary programme is one of the more substantial in south London independent education: 1 in 11 pupils currently receive a bursary covering half or all of their fees. Since 2020 the College has raised more than £2m for bursaries, and secured its first-ever seven-figure donation in mid-2026, gifted by an alumnus to fund bursaries in perpetuity.
The same habit of testing convention shows up in the classroom. While some other schools have dropped the focus on Modern Foreign Languages, St Dunstan’s has created a new STEMFL philosophy — the idea that languages don’t compete with science and technology subjects, they complete them. As machine translation gets better at the words, the distinctly human skills — curiosity, empathy, the ability to see an issue through someone else’s eyes — become the scarcer, more valuable ones. All of this progressive thinking happens in Catford, in a genuinely mixed corner of south-east London, which the College treats as a resource rather than a backdrop. While examinations inevitably demand attention, cultural curiosity should never become an optional extra. Whether through international experiences, authentic cultural learning or hearing older students share their own language journeys, every opportunity helps young people appreciate that learning another language opens doors to different ways of thinking as much as different ways of speaking. In a city as globally connected as London, that feels particularly significant. The future will belong to young people who can combine knowledge with understanding, innovation with empathy and technical expertise with the confidence to communicate across cultures. Discover the College’s academic programme, bursary scheme and how it prepares students for the future at the St Dunstan’s College Open Day on Saturday 19 September. Book your place at www.stdunstans.org.uk.
24 Schools 38Secondary Secondary Schools
St Michael’s Catholic College Llewellyn Steet, Bermondsey London, SE16 4UN T lephone: 02072376432 Te Telephone: Web: www.stmichaelscollege.org.uk
2026 OPEN DAY DAYS A S AND EVENING AY Monday 28th September 9.30am to 11.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm Tuesday 29th September 9.30am to 11.30am Wednesday 30th September 9.30am to 11.30am Please visit the college website for further information:
www.stmichaelscollege.org.uk
Please note there is no parking on site or in the near vicinity. Therefore, public transport is recommended.
Supplementary forms must be submitted to the College alongside the standard online application parents or guardians submit to their home Local Education Authority. There are up to 150 places on offer for September 2027. Where the number of applications exceeds 150, the oversubscription criteria will apply.
The admissions policy is available to view online and is also in the application pack, which is only given to parents attending College Open Days. During Open Days parents/ guardians will receive a prospectus. Tours of the College, an address from the Principal, and guidance on how to apply will be given.
‘The school provides pupils with an excellent education.’ Ofsted Inspection April 2025 – ‘Outstanding in all five categories’
Secondary SecondarySchools Schools3925 Consistently graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and with excellent examination results each year, St Michael’s provides academic rigour within a caring, Catholic community, for students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form.
Computing and Science. Specialisms in Languages and Business allow us to provide exciting opportunities for students involving training, work experience, internships and mentoring in international companies including JP Morgan, Bloomberg, Grant Thornton and PWC. Partnership working also enables our students to access Russell Group University preparation and experience, including Cambridge Summer School and University of London Maths and Science programmes for more able students.
The learning environment is tailored to meet the needs of all students, providing extra challenge for those who are intellectually gifted and offering learning support for those in need. Our team of well qualified, dedicated staff work creatively and professionally to ensure that all students flourish and achieve. The modern, light, new building enables dynamic learning, with access to excellent facilities and resources. Safe, well ordered and with a professional approach to pastoral care, St Michael’s strives for academic and personal success for every child. Academically, we challenge students with a broad range of subjects, exceeding the requirements of the
National Curriculum by offering Latin and Classics. College life is enriched by a House system which provides diverse activities, designed to encourage experiential learning and foster enjoyment. A broad spectrum of sporting, musical, artistic and technological clubs are offered at lunch times and after school. This includes lessons in Debating, as well as Cricket, Drama, Band, Chess,
Residential trips abroad are an integral part of broadening student experiences. We offer trips to Rome, Paris, Madrid, South Korea and the UK for activity, adventure and retreat. The religious life and service of students is nurtured through active engagement in liturgical events and services, undertaking charitable endeavours and working with Priests who support our College.
‘If you want a school in which your child can be really happy, which develops their character and gets excellent academic results, St Michael’s is well worth applying for.’ Year 10 Parent
26 Secondary Schools
Open Sessions for f r September 2027 Entry fo r ry Compassionate Com o pas om a sion as o ate on t te 17th Sept
Hop Hopeful o efu op f l fu
Reflective Refl f ective fl
Inclusive
Supportive Sup u por up o ti or t ve
TTransformative Tr ransfo ra for fo orm rmati t ve ti
Open n Morni Morning ing – 9.10am - 10.30am
22nd Open n Evenin Evening ng – 5 5pm - 7pm Sept
30th Sept
Open n Morni Morning ing – 9.10am - 10.30am
6th Oct
Open n Evenin Evening ng – 5 5pm - 7pm
13th Oct
Open n Morni Morning ing – 9.10am - 10.30am
“Staff f support pupils’ dev ff development eve ev velopment as confi confident f dent and fi articulate people... The school is a harmonious community community.” t .” Ofs ty Ofsted f ted fs
New e Kent Road, London, SE1 4AN ew 4 N 4A
Sixth Form F rm Open Sessions Fo f r 2027 entry fo r ry for Open Evening Eve v ning ve 20th October - 5pm-7pm
0207 4077 1843 ssso.sch ssso.southwark.sch.uk ssso.sout thwa w rk.sch.uk wa office@ssso.southwark.sch.uk off ffi ff fice@ssso.southwa w rk.sch.uk wa Scan to secure yo y your ur place at an open session:
Open Morning 22nd October - 9:10-10:30
School Sc chool Instagram Instagra r m ra
Our Sixth Form is an ambitious, inclusive and supportive community community, t , where every ty r student is encoura ry encouraged r ged to achieve their potential, ra develop their strengths and prepare confi confidently f dently fi l fo ly fforr life ffe bey beyond e ond school. ey Academic Excellence – Challenging courses and high expectations. Personalised Support – Strong pastora pastoral r l and academic guidance. ra Enrichment & Leadership – Wide opportunities, including becoming a Sixth Form Prefect Prefe fe f ct and developing leadership skills. Business Pa P Partnerships rtnerships – Links with diverse businesses off offering ffe ff fering mentoring, work experience and careers insight. Future Success – Guidance and opportunities supporting university, university t , apprenticeships and career pathways. ty pathwa wa wa ay ys.
Secondary Schools 27
OPEN EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2027 ENTRY INTO YEAR 7 OPEN MORNING
OPEN EVENING
Booking not required.
Book your place at www.stac.uk.com.
23 September 9:00 – 10:00am
GCSE Results 2026: Eng & Ma at grade 5+: 74% Eng & Ma at grade 4+: 88% Overall pass rate: 91%
24 September 4:00 – 5:30pm
A Level Results 2026: Average grade: A A* - A: 51% A* - B: 88% First choice destination: 90%
Our students thrive under our care, they outperform their peers by at least 1 grade at GCSE
28 Key information for parents and guardians
Key questions to ask prospective schools
Screen time, social media and behaviour By Katherine Johnston Few issues have become such a flashpoint in modern parenting than screen time, social media and online safety. Pupils, parents and schools are not always in agreement on the best way forward to ensure young people stay safe online - but also are prepared for the realities of the modern world. While the government’s social media ban is due to come into effect from spring next year, many decisions - from phone use from year 7 all the way to the sixth form, educational screen use in the classroom and schools’ broader social media policies - remain up to individual schools and their leadership teams. Across South London, some schools are considering or have already implemented an outright mobile phone ban and many are already proactively writing to parents, asking to keep their child’s screen time under certain limits. Many of these issues link to a school’s overall behaviour policy, a document they are required to make publicly available for current and prospective parents. A behaviour policy outlines the expectations made of pupils, and parents, and the approach taken by teachers when these standards are not met.
● How do you teach online safety? ● How often are screens used in the classroom
and in homework - and how is AI used for learning?
● Is there a phone and social media ban ● ● ●
● ●
at school, even for over-16s? How is this implemented? What information and pictures or videos of my child could be shared on the schools’ own social media accounts or in the media? How are absences or school refusal tackled? How flexible is their approach to behaviour and what modifications or allowances are made for individual pupils’ personal circumstances, including SEND? What are the consequences for particular issues - e.g. lateness or failing to complete homework? How will my child be encouraged to do well and rewarded for both achievement but also effort?
In a nutshell, it will give prospective parents an indication of how ‘strict’ a school is. How does the school you’re looking at respond to one-off or smaller incidents - such as incorrect uniforms, missed homework or talking in class? What is their approach to very serious issues? How do teachers navigate absences or school refusal? And, as importantly, what intervention and support are available when things do go wrong? A behaviour policy isn’t just about bad behaviour either, it’s also about how a school rewards and encourages the good.
Secondary Schools 29
Congratulations to Westminster City School’s Class of 2026 Westminster City School is pleased to celebrate our GCSE results this year with some exceptional individual outcomes for students. The cohort and many specific subject grades are above national average on a key range of attainment outcomes and we anticipate that, once all the national data is known, results will continue to be well above the national average for boys. There is therefore much to be proud of. These outcomes along with top results from this year’s A Levels build on the ‘Strong’ OFSTED judgement that we received in May for achievement which has only been given to just over 17% of secondary schools nationally under the 2025 revised framework. Commenting on this year’s GCSE results,
Headteacher, Mr Peter Broughton, said: “I am very pleased with some of this year’s results including the performance of our very highest attaining students. This cohort faced a disrupted end to primary school due to the challenges of COVID and in addition faced a far from usual start to their secondary school career. They have shown impressive tenacity to get to this point and we are very confident that they have made outstanding progress despite the lack of national data to confirm this. These results endorse the judgement made by OFSTED in May 2026 that achievement at Westminster City School is ‘Strong.’
“We look forward to welcoming all of our top performers back into our extremely popular Sixth Form and wish those who are moving on to fresh challenges all the very best.” Assistant Headteacher, Ms Grace Armatage, said: “We are delighted that many students will continue into Westminster City School’s Sixth Form, and we look forward to welcoming them back. To those moving on to other post-16 destinations, remember that you will always have our support and will remain valued members of the Westminster City School alumni community.”
30 Further/Higher Education
Kingsdale Foundation School First Class and Top of the Class
ons Applicati orm F for Sixth are courses g now bein accepted
Amazing A Level Examination Results at Kingsdale Foundation School in 2026!
We are delighted to announce that our students have excelled once more with some exceptional individual and group performances including 11 students who achieved at least 3A* grades each! At Kingsdale this year over 50% and more than 350 of all grades achieved at A level were graded A*/A and more than 80% were at A*-B.
75% of our graduate applications to higher education institutions have been accepted at prestigious Russell Group Universities such as Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, King’s College London, Leeds, Liverpool, London School of Economics (LSE), Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Southampton, University College London (UCL), Warwick and York as well as at least 11 securing places at Oxford & Cambridge. Students have also secured places at many other top universities
including Bath, Loughborough, Reading, Royal Holloway and Sussex and Swansea to do well-regarded, competitive and demanding courses such as Astrophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Economics, English, Mechanical Engineering and Sport & Exercise Science. Our gifted and talented creative and performing artists will be attending highly esteemed conservatoires and institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Surrey University (Tonmeister degree), as well as the University of the Arts London, the Slade School of Art, Goldsmiths and Glasgow Universities. We are once again incredibly proud of how students, staff and parents have collaborated and supported each other to produce another set of amazing A Level results. We pay tribute to all of our students whose endeavours, resilience and hard work have enabled them to pursue their chosen exciting pathway of choice.
Sixth Form/Year 12 Open Day Dates
Wednesday 23rd September 2026 4.30-7.30pm / Wednesday 14th October 2026 1.30-6.30pm Wednesday 4th November 2026 4.30-7pm / Wednesday 25th November 2026 4.30-7pm Visit www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk, call 020 8655 9723 or email sixthform@kingsdale.southwark.sch.uk for a Prospectus
Introducing the joy and benefits of music to SE London for the last 50 years
Small group learning on one instrument working towards your Play! Certificate
» Learn instrumental techniques taught by professional musicians and specialists
» Play a short piece from memory
» Learn piano, strings (violin and cello), flute, brass, guitar and percussion
» Read and play back a melody
» Develop skills in rhythm, pitch, notation, performance and composition » Enhance social, cognitive and motor skills » Opportunities to play together and perform » Structured learning, feedback and reports
» Clap back rhythms » Read simple notes and rhythms » Demonstrate good knowledge of your chosen instrument Certain instruments also include the PLAY TOGETHER ORCHESTRA – a fantastic opportunity to learn the skills to play in a large ensemble, whilst having fun!
“We couldn’t be more pleased with how he has developed at the Conservatoire (whilst having so much fun!)”
www.conservatoire.org.uk
Providing exceptional, welcoming and creative music and art tuition for all ages to South East London since 1881.
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One school. One journey. Every child known. Visit our Primary and Secondary open events this autumn “The school combines high expectations for its pupils with a deep sense of community and belonging.” Ofsted, November 2025 Primary Phase Leahurst Road, Hither Green, SE13 5HZ 020 8325 4551 Open mornings: Every Thursday from 17 September 2026 to 14 January 2027, 11.00am Open Day: Primary and Secondary Saturday 19 September 2026, 9.30am to 11.30am Secondary Phase Taunton Road, Lee, SE12 8PD 020 8852 3191 Open mornings: Tuesdays 8, 15 and 22 September, 9.15am Thursdays 10, 17 and 24 September, 9.15am “All pupils who join the school quickly feel part of the community.” Ofsted 2025 www.trinitylewisham.org.uk admin@trinity.lewisham.sch.uk