Shirley High School Performing Arts College
Croydon, CR0 5EF · Croydon · secondary school
Check the area around this school
20th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 2.3/10 against 305 of them, against 1.1/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 24.6 · 7 | 30% | 0.22 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.51 · 15 | 25% | 0.39 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 38.5 · 14 | 10% | 0.14 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Shirley High School Performing Arts College overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 23.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 37.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.51 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 (2.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 800 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,105. 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 close the gap between their current Attainment 8 and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds?
What Ofsted said about Shirley High School Performing Arts College
Overview
Leaders have established a school where pupils are safe, behave with maturity, and embrace high expectations. The curriculum is described as “broad and ambitious,” with teachers using strong subject knowledge to explain concepts clearly and check for understanding. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve as well as their peers due to tailored support plans.
Strengths
- Teachers “explain things clearly one step at a time” and act quickly if pupils need help, ensuring new learning builds on previous knowledge.
- Pupils act with maturity and respect; bullying is considered “unacceptable” and leaders act promptly on the rare occasions it occurs.
- Leaders promote a love of reading through a new library and challenges, while providing a comprehensive careers programme and PSHE education.
- Staff report that the school is “well led,” with leaders taking steps to reduce workload and support staff well-being.
- Trustees are “well informed,” undertake regular visits, and “challenge leaders and ask demanding questions.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders’ systems for matching struggling readers to interventions are “not precise,” meaning pupils do not catch up quickly; leaders must identify precise gaps in reading knowledge.
- A large proportion of pupils do not take part in enrichment activities such as clubs; leaders should improve participation to help pupils broaden their interests beyond the academic curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture established through regular staff training, pupil education on safety topics, and close work with external partners.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 38.0 |
| 2024/25 | 37.7 |
| 2025/26 | 38.5 |
| 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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