Sydenham School, 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 · 4 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Sydenham School excels at creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child is valued and supported to succeed. Whether your child has additional needs, faces challenges with behaviour, or is disadvantaged, the school has robust systems and well-trained staff to help them thrive. The wide range of clubs, trips and activities ensures all pupils can develop their talents and interests.
Key Strengths
- Excellent attendance rates, now above national averages, with strong support for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND
- Calm, orderly environment with consistently applied behaviour policies and declining suspension rates
- Outstanding support for pupils with additional needs, with well-trained staff and effective specialist resources
- Strong sixth form provision with above-average exam outcomes in both academic and vocational subjects
- Comprehensive personal development programme including trips, residentials, and a wide range of clubs and activities
Areas for Improvement
- Inconsistent outcomes across subject areas - some above national average but not uniformly across all subjects
- Teachers' questioning and checks on pupil understanding could be more effective in exploring and extending learning
- Need to ensure high-quality work is consistently produced across all areas of the curriculum
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - the school has an open and positive culture of safeguarding where all legal requirements are met and pupils feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Football, trampolining, astronomy club, chess club, debating, competitions, exhibitions, performances, sixth form societies, work experience
Sydenham School is a strong performing secondary school in London that has created a calm, inclusive environment where pupils achieve well and feel safe. The school excels in attendance, behaviour, and support for vulnerable learners while maintaining high expectations for all students.
At a Glance
27.8%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
23.1
Avg class size
62
Total classes
2 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
93%
Near capacity
1,467 pupils
1,580 capacity
113 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - London
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for London
Admissions Demand - Lewisham
Places available
2,251
Applications
2,923
Got 1st preference
63.9%
Got preferred school
93.5%
Secondary admissions across Lewisham (2025/26)
Inspection History(9)
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
8.23451%
Overall absence
26.38889%
Persistent absence
1,224
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Sydenham School
Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School
Kelvin Grove Primary School
Eliot Bank Primary School
St Bartholomews's Church of England Primary School
St George's CofE Primary School
Perrymount Primary School
Horniman Primary School
Adamsrill Primary School
St Michael's Church of England Primary School
Kilmorie Primary School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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