Classpot

Highams Park School

Waltham Forest, E4 9PJSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2024
Progress 8
+0.08
Above average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
207 1st-choice / 237 places
Ranking
#1,344
of 3,141 nationally

About Highams Park School

Highams Park School is a large, mixed secondary in Waltham Forest, currently home to 1,547 pupils against a capacity of 1,700, so there is some headroom but not much. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 23.5%, which is notably above the national average for secondary schools and reflects the diverse, urban intake typical of this part of north-east London. Demand is strong: for entry in 2025/26, the school received 649 applications for 237 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.74, and 199 of those 207 first-preference applicants were offered a spot. That suggests a school that local families are actively choosing, even if it isn't the most selective or oversubscribed in the borough. The school has no religious character and is non-selective, so its intake is genuinely comprehensive, drawing from a wide catchment.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
Address34 Handsworth Avenue, London, Waltham Forest, E4 9PJ
HeadteacherNigel Armsby
Local AuthorityWaltham Forest
Number of Pupils1,547
Free School Meals (FSM)23.5%
School Capacity1,547 / 1,700 (91% full)
Sixth FormYes

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 English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

22 May 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 3 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
LibrarySixth Form CentreDining HallArt StudiosGymnasiumAstro TurfICT SuiteMusic RoomsScience LabsTennis CourtsSwimming Pool

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

19

Sports

HockeySwimmingCricketAthleticsRugbyCross CountryFootballBasketball

Clubs & Activities

ChoirDuke of EdinburghCodingScience ClubNewspaperModel United NationsEco ClubFilm ClubChessYoung EnterpriseDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:30 – 15:15

Source: highamsparkschool.co.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Highams Park School

Highams Park School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.