Highams Park School
91%
Capacity
1,547
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Highams Park School
Highams Park School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Waltham Forest community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,547 pupils on roll and is well-filled (91% of 1,700 places).
Ofsted has rated Highams Park School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Nigel Armsby, it falls under Waltham Forest local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.08 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1344th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 19 in Waltham Forest.
Highams Park School is a popular choice with families — it received 649 applications for 237 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 207 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Highams Park School include Library, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Swimming, Cricket, Athletics and 4 more, as well as clubs including Choir, DofE, Coding, Science Club and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.5%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Waltham Forest, Highams Park School 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | 34 Handsworth Avenue, London, Waltham Forest, E4 9PJ |
| Headteacher | Nigel Armsby |
| Local Authority | Waltham Forest |
| Number of Pupils | 1,547 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,547 / 1,700 (91% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 3 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.08)
1344th of 3,141
Nationally
336th of 487
In London
7th of 19
In Waltham Forest
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
37.9
'22/23
35.0
'23/24
33.3
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
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed237
649
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
207 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highams Park School
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
34 Handsworth Avenue, London
Waltham Forest, E4 9PJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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