Welling School
Welling, DA16 1LB · Bexley · secondary school
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16th of 16 secondary schools in Bexley we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.1/10 against 695 of them, against 1.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 2 | 35% | 0.08 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 32.3 · 19 | 30% | 0.57 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.82 · 5 | 25% | 0.14 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 36.4 · 8 | 10% | 0.08 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Welling School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 26.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 34.7, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.82 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally starting from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 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 participate in productions including Hamilton, Macbeth, and SIX, alongside Live Poetry and London theatre visits.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,084 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,850. 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 starting from lower baselines? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Welling School
Overview
The report presents a mixed picture, highlighting that while the sixth form operates at an "expected standard" with effective teaching, key aspects of the school for younger pupils require further development. Leaders have a clear improvement plan and are making progress in attendance and specific subject areas, but inconsistencies in teaching, behaviour, and inclusion across Years 7 to 11 remain significant challenges.
Strengths
- Sixth-form teaching is "consistently effective," with staff delivering "sensibly sequenced subject curriculums" well.
- Pupils generally feel safe, with leaders ensuring bullying is dealt with effectively and providing "calm spaces" for support.
- The personal development programme is "highly valued," offering enrichment opportunities like performing arts and leadership roles that build confidence.
- Leaders demonstrate a "clear understanding" of pupil contexts and barriers, acting in pupils' best interests regarding remote education and personalised learning.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must secure "consistently high-quality teaching in Years 7 to 11" to address variable outcomes and knowledge gaps.
- Staff need to implement training on inclusive practices more consistently to ensure adaptations for pupils with special educational needs are effective.
- Leaders should ensure behaviour expectations are applied consistently and that pupils on part-time timetables receive appropriate relationships and sex education.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 36.7 |
| 2024/25 | 34.7 |
| 2025/26 | 36.4 |
| 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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