School 21
92%
Capacity
1,098
Pupils
462.0x
Demand
About School 21
School 21 is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Newham community, welcoming children from age 4 to 18. The school has 1,098 pupils on roll and is well-filled (92% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated School 21 "Good", the school is led by headteacher Moray Dickson, it falls under Newham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.05 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1651st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 14th out of 21 in Newham.
School 21 is a popular choice with families — it received 462 applications for 1 places, making it 462.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 59 were first-preference applications.
School 21 has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.7/5 from 3 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 78% recommending the school (148 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at School 21 include Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Sports Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Rugby, Hockey, Rowing and 4 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, DofE, Choir, Science Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 47.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Newham, School 21 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 | 4 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Pitchford Street, Stratford, Newham, E15 4RZ |
| Headteacher | Moray Dickson |
| Local Authority | Newham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,098 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 47.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,098 / 1,200 (92% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Apr 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.05)
1651st of 3,141
Nationally
372nd of 487
In London
14th of 21
In Newham
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
35.1
'22/23
33.4
'23/24
32.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
148 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
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
2025/26Oversubscribed1
462
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
59 families put this school as their 1st choice (13% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About School 21
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
Pitchford Street, Stratford
Newham, E15 4RZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
