Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, London
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data. Admissions policy: Non-selective
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Quality of Education
Behaviour & Attitudes
Personal Development
Leadership & Management
Sixth Form
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
The school excels at providing a consistently high-quality education with an ambitious curriculum that helps all pupils achieve well. Teachers use expert subject knowledge and research-based approaches to support every learner, including those who need additional help. The school goes above and beyond by offering extensive free or reduced-cost trips and activities - from a trip to China to local and national sports competitions - that develop pupils' all-round character and confidence.
Key Strengths
- Ambitious, carefully designed curriculum that develops pupils' knowledge and understanding of complex subjects
- Expert teaching with strong subject knowledge adapted to individual pupil needs, including disadvantaged pupils
- Extensive trips, visits and activities that extend pupils' interests, with many provided free or at reduced cost
- Strong emphasis on reading and well-organised support for pupils with special educational needs
- Comprehensive careers education from Year 7 that effectively prepares pupils for their next steps
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective with an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts pupils' interests first.
Extracurricular Activities
Trips including China, work experience in Years 10 and 12, sports competitions (local and national), careers events, PSHE programme
Harris City Academy Crystal Palace provides an outstanding education with an ambitious curriculum and extensive opportunities for pupils' personal development. The school consistently delivers high-quality teaching, excellent behaviour, and strong preparation for pupils' next steps.
At a Glance
39.0%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
103 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View - % who strongly agree or agree
Class Sizes
22.8
Avg class size
48
Total classes
5 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
92%
Near capacity
1,191 pupils
1,300 capacity
109 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - London
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for London
Admissions Demand - Croydon
Places available
4,128
Applications
4,421
Got 1st preference
71.0%
Got preferred school
95.5%
Secondary admissions across Croydon (2025/26)
Inspection History(4)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
5.62872%
Overall absence
14.10835%
Persistent absence
886
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Harris City Academy Crystal Palace
James Dixon Primary School
Cypress Primary School
All Saints CofE Primary School
Paxton Primary School
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School
Rockmount Primary School
Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace
St Mark's Church of England Primary Academy
David Livingstone Academy
Stewart Fleming Primary School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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