Coombe Wood School
103%
Capacity
1,136
Pupils
8.4x
Demand
About Coombe Wood School
Coombe Wood School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Croydon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,136 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (103% of 1,100 places).
Ofsted has rated Coombe Wood School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Nicole Williams, it falls under Croydon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.38 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 667th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 22 in Croydon.
Coombe Wood School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,479 applications for 175 places, making it 8.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 430 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Coombe Wood School include Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Library, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Theatre, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Cricket, Badminton, Rowing and 4 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Orchestra, Gardening, Book Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.3%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Croydon, Coombe Wood School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | 30 Melville Avenue, South Croydon, Croydon, CR2 7HY |
| Headteacher | Nicole Williams |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| Number of Pupils | 1,136 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,136 / 1,100 (103% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Jan 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 1 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.38)
667th of 3,141
Nationally
208th of 487
In London
4th of 22
In Croydon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'22/23
28.0
'23/24
26.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed175
1,479
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
430 families put this school as their 1st choice (29% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coombe Wood School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
30 Melville Avenue, South Croydon
Croydon, CR2 7HY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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