Harris Academy Ockendon
South Ockendon, RM15 5AY · Thurrock · secondary school
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2nd of 13 secondary schools in Thurrock we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.9/10 against 839 of them, against 6.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 47.0 · 56 | 30% | 1.67 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.46 · 82 | 25% | 2.05 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.7 · 59 | 10% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Harris Academy Ockendon overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.46 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in April 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs including British Sign Language, Cooking, Doodle Therapy, DT Desktop, Enterprise Challenge, Paper Mache Animals, Reporting and News, and Sports Leaders. Sports options include Badminton, Darts, Crazy Golf, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, and Swimming. Arts and music provisions cover Theatre and Costume Design, Theatre Dance, and Think Play Design.
Getting in
Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils in transitioning from primary to secondary education? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the various clubs and sports scheduled to ensure pupils can participate in multiple
What Ofsted said about Harris Academy Ockendon
Overview
Pupils benefit hugely from attending this "remarkable school," where staff and leaders maintain "sky-high expectations." The report describes the institution as a "centre of true excellence," noting that pupils experience an "extraordinary education" characterised by high achievement and a supportive community.
Strengths
- The school has achieved a "remarkably high quality of curriculum design," with detailed planning ensuring pupils know exactly what they need to learn.
- Teachers follow a consistent pedagogical approach, such as the "Silent Do Now" task, and are highly skilled at "interrupting the forgetting curve" to help knowledge stick.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "learn as well as their peers" due to clear curricula and skilled teaching adaptations.
- There is a strong focus on reading, with staff ensuring pupils who previously struggled can now "read for pleasure."
- The school provides a "comprehensive programme of careers education" and a PSHE curriculum that helps pupils understand citizenship and challenge discrimination.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 52.6 |
| 2024/25 | 47.3 |
| 2025/26 | 47.7 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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