Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College, Hornchurch

In its own words: "Abbs Cross would appear to be named after St Ebba, the name being corrupted to St Abbs. Exactly how Abbs Cross came by its name is lost in antiquity but there is little doubt that there is some connection between the early saint and the cross-roads."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Abbs Cross Academy is recognised by Ofsted as a 'good' school. This is due to the hard work and commitment of our staff and the perseverance and positivity of our pupils. We are, however, not satisfied with good, and continue to develop a culture of aspiration and high expectations in order to make our school the best it can be."

In 2026, pupils at Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College averaged an Attainment 8 score of 41.5, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 48.5 in Havering and 47 across England.

36% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 50% in Havering and 47% in England.

That is down from 45.5 in 2025.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.24: pupils made below average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 31.7, against 43.6 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 11.9 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 23 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, Religious Studies and History.

For September 2026 entry, 135 families put Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College as their first choice and 531 named it as one of their preferences, for 168 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College are Sanders Draper (0.4 miles, Good, Attainment 8 42.7); Hornchurch High School (0.5 miles, Good, Attainment 8 48.5); The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls (1.4 miles, Good, Attainment 8 52.8); and The Brittons Academy (1.5 miles, Good, Attainment 8 42).

Each of them had higher 2026 results than Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College.

Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College is one of 7 schools run by Loxford School Trust Limited, an academy trust.

Across the trust's secondary schools, pupils averaged an Attainment 8 score of 46.4 in 2024/25.

Of the 172 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 84% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 61% to a further education college, 4% to an apprenticeship and 2% into work.

In 2026, 369 pupils (41.8%) received SEN support and 24 (2.7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest Underground station is Hornchurch Underground Station, about 700 metres away (roughly a 9-minute walk).

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Abbs Cross Academy (->e), 130 metres away.

In 2024/25, Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College issued 186 suspensions, 21 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 4 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College are Benhurst Primary School (0.2 miles), Elm Park Primary School (0.3 miles), Suttons Primary School (0.5 miles) and Scotts Primary School (0.6 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.