Pupils that do not manage to pass the 11+ test will need to attend a non-grammar school (otherwise known as a state school). There are plenty in Bexley, which are mostly very good. This article draws on information from Ofsted as well as other publications and highlights the Ofsted rating as well as the ‘value added score’. We strongly advise parents to physically visit schools to get a better idea of what the school is really like.
Bexleyheath Academy
This school has been recognised for its positive improvements and inclusive community ethos. Ofsted has rated this school as ‘Good’. Bexleyheath Academy has a value added score of -0.42, which although is below average, is an improvement on previous years.
St Columba’s Catholic Boys’ School
This school also achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement. It is known for its faith-based education, The school achieved a value added score of +0.04, which is in line with the average and also is consistent with previous years’ performances by the school.
St Catherine’s Catholic School
This is a girls’ school and also holds a ‘Good’ rating. The school provides a supportive and academically focused environment within the context of a Catholic education. The school has a value added score of +0.75, which is well above average. In fact, this score is in line with grammar schools in the area.
Hurstmere School
This is a boys’ comprehensive, and is also rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The school is praised for its traditional values and strong sense of community, which resonate well with parents. The school has a value added score of -0.07, which although looks low, is actually an average score.
Chislehurst School for Girls
This school was recently judged to ‘Require Improvement’, however, since then, the school has managed to improve and now enjoys a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.
The Endeavour Academy Bexley
This school caters for students with special educational needs and is rated as ‘Good’. This demonstrates the borough’s commitment to providing quality education across a range of needs. This is a very small school and unsuitable for pupils seeking a mainstream education.
Harris Garrard Academy
Ofsted has rated this school as as ‘Good’ in all areas, a judgement affirmed in its most recent inspection. The academy was praised for its ambitious curriculum and the positive, respectful culture that has been established. Leaders, including trust officials, were recognised for their high expectations and effective safeguarding arrangements, creating an environment where pupils feel safe and are well-prepared for their next steps. The school has a value added score of +0.54, which is well above average.
Harris Academy Falconwood
This school was judged to be ‘Good by Ofsted’. Inspectors found that pupils benefit from a high-quality education in a calm and orderly environment. The school was commended for its broad and ambitious curriculum, strong personal development provision, and effective leadership. Students were described as polite, respectful, and safe, with a clear understanding of how to succeed. Harris Academy has a value added score of -0.02, which is in like with the national average.
Haberdashers’ Crayford Academy
This school was awarded an overall ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted. The inspection report highlighted the school’s inclusive and ambitious ethos, where pupils behave well and achieve strongly. Leaders were praised for their work in constructing a curriculum that prepares students well for future success, supported by a strong programme of personal development and robust safeguarding practices.This school’s value added score is -0.13. Not only is this an average score, but the school has done well to improve on previous years.
Blackfen School for Girls
This school continues to be a ‘Good’ school, according to its most recent Ofsted inspection. The report noted that pupils live up to leaders’ high expectations in both their academic work and personal conduct. The school’s curriculum was described as ambitious and well-taught, ensuring that students, including those with special educational needs, achieve well in a safe and supportive environment. Blackfen’s value added score is -0.14, which is in line with the national average.
Cleeve Park School
This school now holds a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, which is a massive improvement from its previous rating (‘Requires Improvement’). Cleeve Park’s value added score is -0.19, which is the same as previous years and is in line with the national average.
Trinity Church of England School
Ofsted has rated Trinity Church of England School as ‘Good’ in all areas, a judgement it has maintained following a recent short inspection. The school was praised for its positive and respectful atmosphere, where pupils feel safe and are well cared for by staff who know them individually. Leaders, including governors, are recognised for their effective work in maintaining the quality of education and for their ambitious vision for all students. The curriculum is well-sequenced, and pupils, including those with special educational needs, benefit from strong teaching and achieve well. Despite all the positive work, the school’s value added score is well below average at -0.54.
Welling School
Following its conversion to an academy, Welling School has been judged as ‘Requires Improvement’ by Ofsted. While the school’s personal development and behaviour and attitudes were rated as ‘Good’, the quality of education and leadership and management were identified as requiring further development. Inspectors found that although pupils are proud of their school and are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, the curriculum is not consistently well-taught or ambitious enough for all students, particularly those with high prior attainment. Leaders have been tasked with ensuring the curriculum is implemented effectively across all subjects.Unfortunately, the value added is well below average and is worse than in previous years at -0.82.
Leigh Academy Bexley
This is a special case. There is no Ofsted report for this school. Also, this school was previously known as King Henry School and was eventually closed down. A new school opened with a new name (Leigh Academy Bexley) at the same post code. The old school, however, was judged to be inadequate by Ofsted. Currently, the school has a value added score of -0.95, which is not only well below average, but also the worst score in the whole of Bexley.
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