St Matthew Academy

About St Matthew Academy

Parents considering St Matthew Academy will be reassured by the strength of feeling among current families. In the most recent Parent View survey, covering September 2024 to September 2025, a remarkable 94% of respondents said they would recommend the school to other parents. That confidence is backed by very strong individual scores: 95% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, and 95% felt their child is safe. On behaviour, 94% agreed the school ensures pupils are well behaved, and 96% said the school has high expectations for their child. The school is also heavily oversubscribed. For entry in 2025/26, St Matthew received 479 applications for just 157 places, an oversubscription ratio of 3.05 to one. Only 62 of those places went to first-preference applicants, underlining just how competitive admission is at this popular Lewisham Roman Catholic secondary.

Academically, St Matthew Academy is performing at a level that justifies its popularity. In the 2023/24 results, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of 0.57, which is rated as well above average and places it second out of 15 schools in Lewisham. For context, the local authority average Progress 8 score is 0.11, so pupils here are making significantly more progress than their peers across the borough. The Attainment 8 score sits at 50.1, and 72.5% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths. The school also has a strong focus on the EBacc, with 70.2% of pupils entered for the full suite of EBacc subjects, and 38.6% achieving a grade 4 or above across those subjects. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2025, inspectors awarded Outstanding ratings across every category judged, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. This is an upgrade from the previous Good rating in 2019.

The school is a mixed, all-through state academy for pupils aged 4 to 16, with no sixth form. It operates on a large site in Lewisham with a notable range of facilities, including a swimming pool, astro turf, sports hall, science labs, and a chapel. There is a broad offer of clubs, from coding and science club to drama, debate, and gardening, and sports include rugby, netball, swimming, and gymnastics. For families with children who have special educational needs, the school lists provisions for a wide range of needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health support. With 35% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a diverse community. Given its outstanding Ofsted rating, strong academic outcomes, and high demand for places, this is a school that suits families who value a structured, high-expectation Catholic environment and are prepared for a competitive admissions process.

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