South Bank University Academy
London, SE17 2TP · Southwark · secondary school
Check the area around this school
19th of 19 secondary schools in Southwark we can score, 20 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 4.0/10 against 279 of them, against 1.9/10 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 | 13 | 35% | 0.47 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 26.2 · 9 | 30% | 0.27 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.16 · 38 | 25% | 0.95 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 32.6 · 3 | 10% | 0.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
South Bank University Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.16 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 (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 405 pupils against a stated capacity of 900. 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 and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve progress scores for students from similar backgrounds? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about South Bank University Academy
Overview
South Bank University Academy is currently transitioning from an 11 to 19 school to a sixth-form centre. The report describes a school where pupils typically achieve well and feel safe within an inclusive community, though persistent absence remains a significant challenge.
Strengths
- Pupils follow an "ambitious curriculum" and "typically achieve well," with disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) making clear progress.
- Staff know pupils' individual needs well, providing tailored support that "reduces the barriers to their learning and fosters a sense of belonging."
- Classrooms are "calm, purposeful and conducive to learning," with low-level disruption being uncommon and pupils behaving well.
- Leaders have designed a personal development programme that suitably prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, including learning about healthy relationships and cultural diversity.
- Sixth-form students benefit from "ambitious study programmes" and strong links with universities that raise aspirations.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must take swift action to improve attendance, as "persistent absence remains too high" and prevents some pupils from achieving as well as they could.
- Teachers need to consistently check pupils' understanding and address misconceptions to ensure all pupils "build consistently secure knowledge across the curriculum."
- Agreed strategies to support pupils with SEND must be implemented consistently so these pupils can access the curriculum effectively.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.4 |
| 2024/25 | 41.5 |
| 2025/26 | 32.6 |
| 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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