Paddington Academy
London, W9 2DR · Westminster · secondary school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 11 secondary schools in Westminster 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 — 9.7/10 against 293 of them, against 9.2/10 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 | 68.4 · 89 | 30% | 2.68 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.85 · 95 | 25% | 2.37 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 57.8 · 90 | 10% | 0.90 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Paddington Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 61.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.85 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2023. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,256 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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
How does the school manage class sizes given the current over-capacity status? What specific support structures are in place for pupils transitioning from primary education? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating while accommodating a roll above its designated capacity?
What Ofsted said about Paddington Academy
Overview
Paddington Academy is described as a school where leaders and staff maintain "the highest expectations for all pupils," resulting in a "highly ambitious" curriculum. The report highlights that pupils achieve "exceptionally well" within a "welcoming community" where they feel "happy and safe."
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well-thought-out" and "carefully sequenced," allowing pupils to develop a "deep understanding" of subjects over time.
- Behaviour is "exceptional," with pupils moving around the school in a "calm, orderly and purposeful manner" and demonstrating "exemplary" conduct.
- Staff use "insightful questioning" to identify knowledge gaps and address misconceptions, ensuring pupils are "ready to move on in their learning."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive accurate support, enabling them to "access the curriculum alongside their peers."
- Personal development is "exemplary," with pupils taught to be "active citizens" and encouraged to engage in fundraising and debate.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," supported by a "culture of vigilance," ongoing staff training, and clear procedures for reporting concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 58.0 |
| 2024/25 | 61.6 |
| 2025/26 | 57.8 |
| 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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