Harris Academy Clapham
About Harris Academy Clapham
Harris Academy Clapham is a mixed state secondary in Lambeth that currently educates 891 pupils against a capacity of 975, meaning it is not yet full but clearly in high demand. For the 2025/26 admissions cycle, the school received 416 applications for 160 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.6, with 101 first-preference offers made. This level of competition signals strong local confidence. The school’s intake is notably diverse in socio-economic terms: 61.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, a figure well above the national average and indicative of the community it serves in inner London. The school is non-religious and has no sixth form, so pupils leave at 16. Headteacher David Astin leads a school that Ofsted rated Good overall in its most recent graded inspection in February 2023, with personal development judged Outstanding — a standout finding that suggests the school places particular emphasis on character and wider skills.
Key Details
The full report on this school
The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Feb 2023Source: Ofsted, 28 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harris Academy Clapham
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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications