London Design and Engineering UTC
London, E16 2RD · Newham · secondary school
Check the area around this school
13th of 20 secondary schools in Newham we can score, 21 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 6.8/10 against 270 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 88 | 35% | 3.07 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 47.4 · 57 | 30% | 1.70 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.38 · 22 | 25% | 0.55 |
| 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.
London Design and Engineering UTC overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.38 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in November 2025 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 854 pupils against a stated capacity of 600. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils whose Progress 8 score is below 0? How does the new Ofsted grading framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about London Design and Engineering UTC
Overview
London Design and Engineering UTC is described as a "safe, welcoming environment where pupils thrive," with many finding their time at the school "life changing." The report highlights a "highly inclusive" culture where leaders expertly identify and reduce barriers to learning, enabling pupils from varied backgrounds to succeed and develop high aspirations.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated "Exceptional," with pupils displaying "excellent conduct" and a "wonderfully positive community" where bullying is rare and prejudicial attitudes are not tolerated.
- The curriculum is "highly effective and exciting," offering an "ambitious range" of subjects closely aligned with design and engineering, supported by strong links with local and national employers.
- Inclusion is "Exceptional," with leaders taking a "forensic" approach to supporting pupils, including those with special educational needs or disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they access the demanding curriculum.
- Personal development is praised as the "golden thread" of school life, featuring "exemplary" careers education and experiences that build pupils' confidence, resilience, and understanding of British values.
- Leadership is "Exceptional," with directors and leaders working cohesively to share expertise and ensure staff have the support needed to transform pupils' lives.
Areas to improve
- Leaders and governors should "sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas" and seek "continued improvement" to drive a "transformational impact" for all pupils, particularly those facing barriers to learning or well-being.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.5 |
| 2024/25 | 49.5 |
| 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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