Harris Academy Purley
89%
Capacity
1,022
Pupils
3.3x
Demand
About Harris Academy Purley
Harris Academy Purley is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Croydon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,022 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,150 places).
Ofsted has rated Harris Academy Purley "Good", the school is led by headteacher Tim Allman, it falls under Croydon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.23 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1003rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 22 in Croydon.
Harris Academy Purley is a popular choice with families — it received 587 applications for 180 places, making it 3.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 126 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Harris Academy Purley include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Library, Science Labs, Gymnasium, Theatre, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Swimming, Rugby, Athletics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Eco Club, Choir, Drama and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 39.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Croydon, Harris Academy Purley 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Kendra Hall Road, South Croydon, Croydon, CR2 6DT |
| Headteacher | Tim Allman |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| Number of Pupils | 1,022 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 39.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,022 / 1,150 (89% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
28 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Apr 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.23)
1003rd of 3,141
Nationally
274th of 487
In London
8th 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)
'21/22
29.5
'22/23
24.9
'23/24
25.4
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
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed180
587
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
126 families put this school as their 1st choice (21% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harris Academy Purley
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
Kendra Hall Road, South Croydon
Croydon, CR2 6DT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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