Apex Secondary School for Boys

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 February 2026

Pupils are happy in school. They enjoy coming in every day to learn with their friends. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, attend regularly. Leaders have created an environment which supports and encourages pupils to love learning. In lessons, pupils show a real enthusiasm for learning new knowledge, skills and ideas. At breaktimes, they play chess and table tennis with their peers and they teach each other how to solve puzzles. The level of cooperation and support seen in these activities is impressive and demonstrates the family nature of the school. Pupils behave well. They report that bullying is incredibly rare and is not tolerated if it occurs. Pupils feel safe at school and have trusted adults whom they would speak to if they had any worries or concerns. The school is very much part of the local community. Pupils benefit from the close links that leaders have created within their community. Pupils appreciate the opportunities that they participate in during their time at the school. They relish opportunities for educational visits, such as to find out about the London Air Ambulance service. Pupils also participate enthusiastically in extra-curricular clubs and activities. Pupils learn the curriculum well. This includes pupils who have additional barriers to their learning. Effective teaching ensures that pupils are well prepared for the next stages of their education. Pupils benefit from the careful thought that leaders have given to ensuring that the religious and secular curriculums complement each other. This is particularly well demonstrated by the closely aligned teaching of Islamic and fundamental British values, which helps to enhance pupils' understanding.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to embed the curriculum across all subjects so that all pupils achieve well.
• Leaders should ensure that their expectations of pupils' behaviour at different times are explicit, so that pupils understand what is expected of them and how to engage well with all learning activities.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)