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Swanlea School

Tower Hamlets, E1 5DJSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Apr 2024
Progress 8
+0.81
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.6×
Oversubscribed
308 1st-choice / 194 places
Ranking
🏆Top 10%
#185 of 3,141 nationally

About Swanlea School

Swanlea School is a mixed, non-denominational secondary in Tower Hamlets that is currently running above its official capacity, with 1,281 pupils against a published capacity of 1,260. The school serves a community with a high level of disadvantage: 45.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, a figure well above the national average for secondary schools. Demand is exceptionally strong. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 954 applications for 194 places, an oversubscription ratio of nearly five to one. Of those, 308 families put Swanlea as their first preference, and 182 first-preference offers were made. This level of competition suggests a school that local parents are actively prioritising, and it is the top-ranked school in Tower Hamlets by Progress 8, ahead of peers like Bishop Challoner Catholic School and Stepney All Saints.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
Address31 Brady Street, London, Tower Hamlets, E1 5DJ
HeadteacherKabir Miah
Local AuthorityTower Hamlets
Number of Pupils1,281
Free School Meals (FSM)45.3%
School Capacity1,281 / 1,260 (102% full)
Sixth FormYes

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

24 Apr 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 12 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
ICT SuiteLibraryGymnasiumArt StudiosScience LabsTennis CourtsMusic RoomsTheatreDining HallSports HallChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

21

Sports

AthleticsRugbyBadmintonTennisDanceRoundersFootballCricketHockey

Clubs & Activities

Art ClubDramaModel United NationsNewspaperScience ClubYoung EnterpriseChoirCodingOrchestraFilm ClubDuke of EdinburghDebate

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningMulti-SensoryOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Swanlea School

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