The Urswick School - A Church of England Secondary School
London, E9 6NR · Hackney · secondary school
Check the area around this school
16th of 16 secondary schools in Hackney 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 — 5.3/10 against 105 of them, against 2.7/10 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 | 35.3 · 25 | 30% | 0.75 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.26 · 30 | 25% | 0.76 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 41.7 · 27 | 10% | 0.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Urswick School - A Church of England Secondary School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in 2024. In 2024/25, 28.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 39.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.26 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 (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Arts Emergency, The Access Project, Goldsmiths Progression Scheme, Realising Opportunities, Aspiring Professionals Programme, and Nuffield Research Placements. Trips include visits to Snaresbrook Crown Court, All Star Lanes, and the Lessons from Auschwitz Project.
Getting in
The published school roll is 752 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,050. 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 support is available for students aiming for university progression through the Goldsmiths scheme?
What Ofsted said about The Urswick School - A Church of England Secondary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "happy and safe," benefiting from a clear curriculum and high behavioural standards. Leaders act with care to meet pupils’ needs, underpinned by a Christian ethos, resulting in an overall effectiveness judgement of Good.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and show a "positive attitude towards their learning."
- The curriculum is "well organised" with key knowledge identified, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, access the same core content.
- Leaders have successfully improved punctuality and attendance, with pupils valuing enrichment opportunities like clubs and volunteering.
- Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge" and deliver content clearly, while staff well-being is prioritised.
- A character-building programme and the ‘Urswick Parents’ role help pupils feel "safe and well accepted."
Areas to improve
- The school must embed consistent practices to routinely check pupils’ understanding before moving on to new learning, as gaps in knowledge can otherwise emerge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.3 |
| 2024/25 | 39.2 |
| 2025/26 | 41.7 |
| 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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