The Ursuline Academy Ilford
Ilford, IG1 4JU · Redbridge · secondary school
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13th of 19 secondary schools in Redbridge 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 — 9.5/10 against 878 of them, against 8.6/10 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 | 17 | 35% | 0.59 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 60.2 · 82 | 30% | 2.45 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.75 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
| 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.
The Ursuline Academy Ilford overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.5% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 56.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.75 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join GCSE art and volunteering clubs, or take part in netball, bike polo, indoor athletics, badminton, gymnastics, dance, rounders, and trampolining. Music lessons are available, and an after-school club operates. Trips include visits to Iceland, the United States, France, Oxford University, Parliament, the Old Bailey, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Curwen Print Study Centre.
Getting in
The published school roll is 743 pupils against a stated capacity of 760. 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 their Progress 8 trajectory through Year
What Ofsted said about The Ursuline Academy Ilford
Overview
The Ursuline Academy Ilford is described as a "kind and ambitious school community" where pupils "work hard and feel valued." The report highlights "very well" achieved outcomes in key stage 4, with results "well above national averages," alongside a "rich and comprehensive personal development programme." While most aspects meet expected or strong standards, the sixth form requires attention to raise achievement levels.
Strengths
- Pupils "achieve very well across the breadth of subjects," with key stage 4 results significantly exceeding national averages.
- Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs "make strong progress from their starting points."
- Pupils "behave extremely well," showing "high levels of respect" in a calm and orderly environment.
- Leaders provide "clear, impartial advice" on careers, ensuring pupils are "well prepared for the next stage of their education."
- Staff "know the pupils well" and respond with care to wellbeing needs, fostering a supportive culture.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure strategies to improve learning and achievement in the "post-16 provision" become embedded, as outcomes have been below national averages.
- Leaders should "refine and strengthen inclusive approaches to teaching" so support is consistently matched to all pupils’ needs.
- Leaders need to build on current strategies to achieve "rapid and notable improvements in attendance and persistent absence."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 61.4 |
| 2024/25 | 56.1 |
| 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
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