Greatfields School

About Greatfields School

Greatfields School in Barking and Dagenham is a mixed 11-18 state secondary that is clearly in demand. With a capacity of 1,824, it currently has 1,224 pupils on roll, meaning there is room to grow, but the admissions data tells a different story. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 379 applications for 159 places, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of 2.38 applicants per place. Of those, 149 were first-preference applications, and all 149 first-preference offers were accepted. The school’s intake reflects a significant level of disadvantage: 33.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is well above the national average for secondary schools. This context matters when looking at the school’s performance, as it suggests Greatfields is serving a community with higher-than-average economic challenges while still attracting strong local demand.

Academically, Greatfields is performing above the local authority average. Its Progress 8 score of 0.3 is rated as ‘Above average’ and sits above the Barking and Dagenham average of 0.23. In the local authority ranking, it places 6th out of 13 schools, putting it in the top half. The Attainment 8 score is 44.3, and 59.5% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths. The school also has a strong focus on the EBacc, with 56.6% of pupils entered for the full suite and 20% achieving it at grade 5 or above. In its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2019, the school was rated Good overall, with leadership and management judged Outstanding. An ungraded inspection in October 2024 confirmed that standards are being maintained. At A-level, the picture is more mixed: the value-added score is -0.3, rated ‘Below average’, with a points per entry of 25.68, equivalent to a C- grade. The sixth form is small, with just 37 pupils in the data.

The school offers a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, astro turf, tennis courts, science labs, and a dedicated sixth form centre. Sports provision is strong, with options like swimming, martial arts, cricket, and gymnastics, while clubs include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model UN, and Young Enterprise. SEND support covers eight areas, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health. However, the Parent View responses, based on just 10 respondents, paint a challenging picture. Only 20% would recommend the school, and majorities disagreed that behaviour is well managed (60% disagree) and that concerns are dealt with properly (70% disagree). On the positive side, 80% agreed or strongly agreed that their child does well at the school, and 70% agreed or strongly agreed that the school has high expectations. This is a school that suits families who value academic progress and a broad curriculum, but where pastoral and behavioural concerns may need careful consideration.

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