The hardest schools to get into in Greenwich
Secondary: 357 families put Ark Greenwich Free School first in 2026 and 95 of them (27%) were offered a place.
Reception: 71 families put Meridian Primary School first in 2026 and 28 of them (39%) were offered a place.
Every state school in Greenwich with at least 20 first-choice applicants, hardest first. Of the families who put the school first on their application, the share who were offered a place there. Data: Department for Education.
Secondary schools (Year 7)
| # | School | Put it first | Of them, offered | Places |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ark Greenwich Free School · London | 357 | 95 (27%) | 115 |
| 2 | Leigh Academy Blackheath · London | 333 | 133 (40%) | 170 |
| 3 | Leigh Stationers' Academy · London | 417 | 195 (47%) | 240 |
| 4 | Thomas Tallis School · London | 344 | 198 (58%) | 249 |
| 5 | Harris Academy Greenwich · London | 195 | 114 (59%) | 170 |
| 6 | St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive School · London · faith | 164 | 100 (61%) | 116 |
| 7 | Leigh Academy Halley · London | 93 | 58 (62%) | 168 |
| 8 | Eltham Hill School · London | 259 | 173 (67%) | 217 |
| 9 | The John Roan School · London | 118 | 93 (79%) | 170 |
| 10 | Plumstead Manor School · London | 122 | 121 (99%) | 221 |
| 11 | Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls · Thamesmead | 134 | 134 (100%) | 192 |
| 12 | Royal Greenwich Trust School · London | 80 | 80 (100%) | 144 |
| 13 | Woolwich Polytechnic School · London | 79 | 79 (100%) | 226 |
| 14 | St Paul's Academy · London · faith | 77 | 77 (100%) | 202 |
| 15 | St Ursula's Convent School · London · faith | 30 | 30 (100%) | 120 |
Primary schools (Reception)
Getting into a school in Greenwich
What is the hardest school to get into in Greenwich?
For secondary places, 357 families put Ark Greenwich Free School first in 2026 and 95 of them (27%) were offered a place. For Reception, 71 families put Meridian Primary School first and 28 of them (39%) were offered a place.
How many families in Greenwich get their first-choice school?
60.2% of families applying for a secondary place got their first preference, and 89.3% of those applying for Reception did (offers for September 2026).
Does putting a school first improve our chances?
Not at the other schools you name. Councils in England use an equal-preference system: every school you list is considered against its own admissions criteria, and if more than one could offer a place you get the one you ranked highest. So list schools in your genuine order of preference, and include at least one you are very likely to get.
What does "last distance offered" mean?
For schools that give places by distance, it is how far from the school the last child offered a place under that criterion lived. It changes every year with the number and location of applicants, so treat it as a guide, not a guarantee. We show it where Greenwich published it in its admissions booklet.