Sydenham School
London, SE26 4RD · Lewisham · secondary school
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3rd of 13 secondary schools in Lewisham we can score, 14 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 — 8.3/10 against 856 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 84 | 35% | 2.96 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 57.7 · 78 | 30% | 2.35 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.1 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 53.4 · 81 | 10% | 0.81 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sydenham School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 50.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.1 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Guitar, Ukulele, and Keyboard Clubs. Music provision includes the Senior Choir, Sydenham Singers, Year 7 and 8 Choir, Orchestra, String Group, Flute Group, Guitar group, and Brass ensemble.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,467 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,580. 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 new Ofsted framework affect current teaching priorities? What are the specific entry criteria for the next academic year? How do the music ensembles balance rehearsal time with core academic subjects?
What Ofsted said about Sydenham School
Overview
Sydenham School is described as a place where pupils are "proud to be" and feel safe, supported by leaders who are "highly ambitious" and act with "integrity and purpose." The report highlights a "calm and orderly" environment with strong attendance, effective inclusion, and excellent personal development opportunities, though academic achievement is generally in line with national averages rather than exceeding them.
Strengths
- Attendance is "above national averages" due to "rigorous systems" and high expectations, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- The school fosters a "highly inclusive and respectful culture," with pupils demonstrating "openness, curiosity, tolerance and respect" and benefiting from extensive extra-curricular activities.
- Leaders provide "robust systems" for identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, ensuring staff have a "highly detailed understanding" of these requirements.
- The post-16 provision is "highly inclusive" with "highly effective" teaching, resulting in student outcomes that are "above national averages" in both academic and vocational subjects.
- Staff wellbeing is prioritised, with leaders "diligently consider[ing] the workload and wellbeing of staff" and providing dedicated time for professional development.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must consistently check pupils’ understanding to "identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding," as current questioning does not always enable pupils to "think more deeply."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.7 |
| 2024/25 | 50.8 |
| 2025/26 | 53.4 |
| 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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