Classpot

Riddlesdown Collegiate

Croydon, CR8 1EXSecondaryAges 11–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Mar 2023
Progress 8
+0.14
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.6×
Oversubscribed
484 1st-choice / 312 places
Ranking
#1,231
of 3,141 nationally

About Riddlesdown Collegiate

Riddlesdown Collegiate is a large state secondary in Croydon, currently operating above its official capacity with 2,067 pupils against a school capacity of 2,040. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 13.4%, which is slightly below the national average for secondary schools but sits within the typical range for a London borough. Demand for places is exceptionally high: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 1,379 applications for 312 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 4.42. Of those applications, 484 were first-preference choices, and 302 first-preference offers were made. This level of competition suggests that families in the area view the school as a strong option, and it is one of only five schools in Croydon rated Outstanding by Ofsted out of 26 secondary schools in the local authority.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressHonister Heights, Purley, Croydon, CR8 1EX
HeadteacherDaniel Osborne
Local AuthorityCroydon
Number of Pupils2,067
Free School Meals (FSM)13.4%
School Capacity2,067 / 2,040 (101% 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

21 Mar 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 17 May 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
Music RoomsLibrarySwimming PoolPlaying FieldsICT SuiteGymnasiumDining HallSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

CricketDanceBadmintonTennisCross CountryAthleticsSwimmingFootballRugbyMartial Arts

Clubs & Activities

Young EnterpriseDramaBook ClubNewspaperCodingChoirFilm ClubArt Club

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Riddlesdown Collegiate

Riddlesdown Collegiate has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.