Riverside School
Barking, IG11 0FU · Barking and Dagenham · secondary school
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1st of 13 secondary schools in Barking and Dagenham 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 — 9.8/10 against 695 of them, against 8.9/10 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 | 63.9 · 86 | 30% | 2.57 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.78 · 93 | 25% | 2.33 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 57.9 · 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.
Riverside School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 stood at +0.78 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in November 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,550 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,824. 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 in maintaining the high progress scores seen in recent years? What specific support structures are in place for students transitioning from primary to secondary education? How does the school ensure that the Outstanding inspection standards are maintained across all year groups?
What Ofsted said about Riverside School
Overview
Riverside School is described as having a “very strong culture of high expectations” where pupils are encouraged to succeed. The report highlights a “rich curriculum that is taught expertly” and notes that pupils work hard, achieve well, and feel safe within a calm and respectful environment.
Strengths
- Leaders have established a “highly effective and balanced curriculum” with content carefully sequenced to prepare pupils for complex ideas.
- Teachers possess “very strong subject knowledge” and use established routines to constantly check understanding and address misconceptions.
- Standards of behaviour are “very high,” with lessons undisturbed by poor conduct and bullying cases being rare.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including clubs, sporting activities, and community projects like a “community garden.”
- Sixth-form students are well-supported, developing “effective independent study skills” and participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “well-established and experienced safeguarding team” ensuring concerns are communicated and acted upon very quickly.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 54.4 |
| 2024/25 | 55.5 |
| 2025/26 | 57.9 |
| 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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