Best Schools in Southwark 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 98 schools and nurseries in Southwark — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Southwark has 98 schools educating over 42,000 pupils across Bermondsey, Camberwell, Dulwich, Peckham and Rotherhithe. The borough has a rich educational mix from the independent Dulwich College and Alleyn's School to high-performing comprehensives like Harris Academy Bermondsey.
Southwark schools have seen major improvement over the past decade. The borough benefits from its central location, strong academy chains and a diverse, aspirational community that drives high expectations.
Southwark at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Southwark
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boutcher Church of England Primary School | Southwark | Outstanding | 96% | — | — |
| The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overie | Southwark | Outstanding | 92% | — | — |
| Riverside Primary School | Southwark | Good | 91% | — | — |
| Crampton Primary | Southwark | Outstanding | 90% | — | — |
| Charles Dickens Primary School | Southwark | Outstanding | 89% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Southwark
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The St Thomas the Apostle College | Southwark | Outstanding | +1.45 | 86% | 66% |
| Sacred Heart Catholic School | Southwark | Outstanding | +1.24 | 92% | 58% |
| Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich | Southwark | Outstanding | +0.98 | 78% | 66% |
| The Charter School North Dulwich | Southwark | Outstanding | +0.80 | 84% | 78% |
| Kingsdale Foundation School | Southwark | Outstanding | +0.68 | 92% | 84% |
Admissions in Southwark — Key Dates
Southwark Council coordinates admissions for state schools. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Dulwich College and JAGS are independent and have their own entrance exams. Apply through southwark.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Southwark?
Harris Academy Bermondsey, Kingsdale Foundation School and Sacred Heart Catholic School are top state secondaries. Dulwich College and Alleyn's School are leading independent options. Primary schools in East Dulwich and Rotherhithe achieve strong KS2 results.
Are there grammar schools in Southwark?
No. Southwark has no state grammar schools. The nearest selective schools are in Sutton and Kent. Southwark operates a comprehensive admissions system.
How competitive are school admissions in Southwark?
Admissions can be very competitive in popular areas like East Dulwich, where admission distances for top primaries can be under 400 metres. Classpot shows historical admission distances to help you plan.
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