Harris Academy South Norwood
89%
Capacity
1,018
Pupils
2.6x
Demand
About Harris Academy South Norwood
Harris Academy South Norwood is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Croydon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,018 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,150 places).
Ofsted has rated Harris Academy South Norwood "Good", the school is led by headteacher Charlie Comerford, it falls under Croydon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.45 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 561st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 22 in Croydon.
Harris Academy South Norwood is a popular choice with families — it received 387 applications for 147 places, making it 2.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 94 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Harris Academy South Norwood include Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Science Labs, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Gymnastics, Tennis, Hockey and 4 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Eco Club, Art Club, Young Enterprise and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 38.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Croydon, Harris Academy South Norwood 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 | Cumberlow Avenue, London, Croydon, SE25 6AE |
| Headteacher | Charlie Comerford |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| Number of Pupils | 1,018 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 38.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,018 / 1,150 (89% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 May 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.45)
561st of 3,141
Nationally
182nd of 487
In London
2nd 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
33.4
'22/23
26.2
'23/24
27.5
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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed147
387
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
94 families put this school as their 1st choice (24% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harris Academy South Norwood
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
Cumberlow Avenue, London
Croydon, SE25 6AE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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