Riddlesdown Collegiate
Purley, CR8 1EX · Croydon · secondary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 23 secondary schools in Croydon we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 672 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.4/10 among them, against 7.5/10 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 | 63.1 · 85 | 30% | 2.55 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.14 · 60 | 25% | 1.50 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.3 · 86 | 10% | 0.86 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Riddlesdown Collegiate overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 50.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.14 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2 out of 10 among them, against 6.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, play football, rugby, netball, basketball, cricket, rounders, athletics or swim, and receive instrumental and vocal music teaching.
Getting in
The published school roll is 2,074 pupils against a stated capacity of 2,040. 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 support pupils to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their attainment relative to the national median?
What Ofsted said about Riddlesdown Collegiate
Overview
Leaders ensure that all pupils receive an "exceptional education" characterised by "academic rigour" and a focus on creative and cultural learning. The school fosters a "calm and orderly environment" where pupils are "extremely hardworking, polite and proud of their school," supported by strong relationships and a collegiate system.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "highly developed and ambitious," with subject leaders building pupils’ knowledge "considerably over time" and teachers addressing misconceptions "quickly."
- Behaviour is described as "exemplary," with pupils being "kind and caring towards each other" and leaders addressing concerns "effectively."
- Leaders identify and meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "highly effectively," ensuring they "achieve exceptionally well."
- There is a "thoughtful, well-planned personal development programme" offering broad opportunities, including leadership roles and community activities.
- Staff feel "valued and are highly motivated," supported by an "exceptional professional development programme" and careful consideration of workload.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a "strong culture of safeguarding across the school" where staff are "well trained and vigilant in identifying and reporting concerns."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.6 |
| 2024/25 | 50.7 |
| 2025/26 | 55.3 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of CR8 1EX, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT