Winterbourne Boys' Academy

About Winterbourne Boys' Academy

Winterbourne Boys' Academy is a state primary school for boys aged 7 to 11 in Croydon, currently led by headteacher Charmaine Henny. With 198 pupils on roll against a capacity of 277, the school is operating well below its maximum, suggesting there is room for more students. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 35.4%, which is notably higher than the national average of around 23% and signals a school serving a community with above-average levels of economic disadvantage. Despite this, the school appears to be in demand: it ranks 13th out of 77 primary schools in Croydon on the key stage 2 expected standard measure, placing it in the top 25% of schools locally. This combination of a relatively small, under-capacity boys' school with a strong local reputation makes it an interesting option for families seeking a focused, single-sex environment within the state system.

Academically, Winterbourne Boys' Academy performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 key stage 2 assessments, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the Croydon average of 66%. The school's average scores in reading (106) and maths (108) are both above the national benchmark of 100, and 38% of pupils achieved the higher standard in maths, with 25% doing so in reading. Progress scores are not available in the data, but the school's ranking suggests solid outcomes. Ofsted rated the school as Good in its most recent graded inspection in 2017, and a subsequent ungraded inspection in 2022 confirmed it remains Good. This is a significant improvement from its previous inspection in 2012, when it was judged Inadequate overall, indicating a strong turnaround under current leadership.

The school offers a range of facilities including a library, outdoor playground, dining hall, art studios and a chapel, and pupils can take part in sports such as football, cricket, swimming, athletics and dance. Clubs include choir, book club, chess and science club. For children with additional needs, the school provides support for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and hearing impairment. There is no nursery provision or sixth form, and the school does not offer boarding. Families considering Winterbourne should note that while it is a Good school with strong academic results relative to its local authority, it is not the highest-performing in Croydon — the nearest Outstanding-rated primary is St James the Great RC Primary and Nursery School, about a kilometre away. This school will suit families who value a smaller, single-sex boys' primary with a strong track record of improvement and inclusive SEND support.

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