Ricards Lodge High School
London, SW19 7HB · Merton · secondary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 9 secondary schools in Merton 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 — 9.6/10 against 883 of them, against 8.8/10 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 | 65.1 · 87 | 30% | 2.60 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.66 · 90 | 25% | 2.24 |
| 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.
Ricards Lodge High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 54.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.66 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Ball Girls, and Step into Dance. Trips include Camps International, the Globe Theatre, and A Level Geography visits to Battersea and Brighton.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,534 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,500. 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 support is available for pupils aiming to raise their Progress 8 scores? How are the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and Step into Dance integrated into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about Ricards Lodge High School
Overview
Ricards Lodge High School continues to be an outstanding school, providing all pupils with an "exceptional education." The report highlights "extremely high expectations" that ensure all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve very highly in a calm and welcoming environment.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "highly ambitious" and develops progressively, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge effectively.
- Teachers possess "very strong subject knowledge" and make necessary adaptations to ensure pupils with SEND access the curriculum effectively.
- Behaviour is described as "exemplary," with pupils being "polite, kind and proud of their school."
- The school provides a "wide range of additional opportunities," including sports, music, philosophy club, and sixth-form enrichment activities.
- Leaders ensure pupils receive "high-quality careers advice and guidance" through external speakers and workshops.
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 | 55.0 |
| 2024/25 | 54.2 |
| 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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