Marathon Science School, London
Marathon Science School is an independent school for boys aged 10 to 19 in London. It was rated Requires improvement at its last graded Ofsted inspection, in February 2025.
- Ofsted
- Requires improvement (2025)
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Marathon Science School in detail
Marathon Science School in its own words
In its own words: ""An educational plane tree with roots extending deep into a rich past, branches firmly connected to a sturdy trunk, growing into the future with hope, love, and excitement." Marathon Science School opened in year 2009 situated in Lewisham, benefits from a vibrant and culturally rich environment that enhances its educational offerings."
Vision and values (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Results
The Department for Education's GCSE measures do not count IGCSEs, which many independent schools take instead of GCSEs, so the Attainment 8 and English and maths figures it publishes for Marathon Science School can understate its results. We do not rank or compare them; ask the school for its own GCSE and IGCSE results.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other independent schools to Marathon Science School are Jamiatul Ummah School (1.7 miles, Outstanding, selective); Buttercup Primary School (1.9 miles, Requires improvement); London Islamic School (1.9 miles, Good); and Daffodil Preparatory School (1.9 miles).
Jamiatul Ummah SchoolButtercup Primary SchoolLondon Islamic SchoolDaffodil Preparatory School
Who goes there
In 2026, 0 pupils (0%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) had an education, health and care plan.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Surrey Quays Rail Station, about 500 metres away (roughly a 6-minute walk).
12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bestwood Street (->n), 60 metres away.
Sources: DfE school performance data (averages: state mainstream schools); DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 2 years agoOverall
Quality of Education
Behaviour & Attitudes
Personal Development
Leadership & Management
Safeguarding: effective
Independent school standards
Met all the independent school standards.
- Part 1: quality of educationMet
- Part 2: pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural developmentMet
- Part 3: welfare, health and safetyMet
- Part 4: suitability of staff and proprietorsMet
- Part 5: premises and accommodationMet
- Part 6: information for parentsMet
- Part 7: handling of complaintsMet
- Part 8: leadership and managementMet
Source: Ofsted, non-association independent schools inspections and outcomes (Open Government Licence)
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's February 2025 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Marathon Science School creates a calm, respectful environment where pupils are happy and well-behaved. Staff care for pupils well and foster positive relationships. The school offers excellent enrichment opportunities including visits, cultural experiences, and a comprehensive personal development programme that prepares pupils well for life in modern society.
Key Strengths
- Pupils behave well and have positive relationships with caring staff
- Strong personal development programme including British values, careers guidance, and age-appropriate relationship and sex education
- Good attendance and engagement, with pupils enjoying enrichment activities like museum visits and annual trip to Turkey
Areas for Improvement
- Teaching does not consistently deliver the curriculum well - staff sometimes lack expertise to adapt lessons for different learners
- Curriculum is too narrow, particularly lacking creative subjects
- Support for pupils with SEND and lower attaining pupils is not secure enough
- Reading support across subjects needs strengthening to develop vocabulary and comprehension skills
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective.
Extracurricular Activities
Museum visits, visits to places of worship, sporting activity centres, football and basketball games, annual trip to Turkey, school council, themed assemblies
Marathon Science School is an independent Islamic boarding school for boys aged 10-19 that requires improvement overall. While the school has made progress since its previous inadequate rating, the quality of education remains inconsistent and needs further development.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Secondary Performance (GCSE)
The Department for Education's GCSE measures do not count IGCSEs, which many independent schools take instead of GCSEs, so the Attainment 8 and English and maths figures it publishes for Marathon Science School can understate its results. We do not rank or compare them; ask the school for its own GCSE and IGCSE results.
GCSE Subjects Offered
2025/26 academic year - entries by number of pupils
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby all-through schools
Keep up with Marathon Science School
Before and after school care
Clubs on Ofsted's childcare register at or near Marathon Science School.
- Magna Extended Schools at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (SE16)940m away · Not yet graded
Getting There
Train Stations
Ferry Terminals
Bus Stops
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
- Collisions
- 179
- Fatal
- 0
- Serious
- 22
- Children hurt
- 12
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 179 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 22 serious and 157 slight.
12 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 8 on foot, 2 on a bicycle and 2 in a vehicle or otherwise.
29 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included.
The typical figure for schools in Lewisham is 75 (the median across 98 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
29%
Available places
35 pupils
120 places
85 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - London
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for London
Across Lewisham council
Places available
2,238
Applications
2,828
Got 1st preference
63.5%
Got preferred school
91.4%
All secondary applications across Lewisham council (2026/27), not just this school.
Inspection History(10)
Independent School standard inspection
Met all the independent school standards.
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
0
SEN Support
0
EHC Plans
0.0%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
No need-level breakdown available
Pupil Demographics
Key Indicators
35
Total Pupils
35
Boys
0
Girls
2026 academic year
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Marathon Science School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Questions parents ask about Marathon Science School
What are GCSE results like at Marathon Science School?
The Department for Education's GCSE measures do not count IGCSEs, which many independent schools take instead of GCSEs, so the Attainment 8 and English and maths figures it publishes for Marathon Science School can understate its results. We do not rank or compare them; ask the school for its own GCSE and IGCSE results.
What is Marathon Science School's Ofsted rating?
Marathon Science School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2025.
Does Marathon Science School meet the independent school standards?
At its most recent standard inspection, in February 2025, Marathon Science School met all the independent school standards.
How many pupils go to Marathon Science School?
Marathon Science School has around 35 pupils on roll.
How do I apply to Marathon Science School?
Marathon Science School is an independent school and runs its own admissions rather than going through the local authority. Contact the school directly for entry requirements, assessment dates, fees and any bursaries.
Does Marathon Science School have a breakfast club or after-school club?
Ofsted's childcare register lists an out-of-school club within a kilometre of Marathon Science School: Magna Extended Schools at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (SE16) (940m away, registered, not yet graded). The school may also run its own clubs, which don't have to register with Ofsted.
How many road collisions happen near Marathon Science School?
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 179 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 22 serious and 157 slight. 12 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 8 on foot, 2 on a bicycle and 2 in a vehicle or otherwise. 29 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included. The typical figure for schools in Lewisham is 75 (the median across 98 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Marathon Science School?
Marathon Science School is at 1-9 Evelyn Street, Surrey Quays, London, SE8 5RQ.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)