Harris Academy South Norwood

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 19
Ofsted: Good

Cumberlow Avenue, London, SE25 6AEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Harris Academy South Norwood is a secondary school in Croydon for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 153 schools in Croydon. It ranks 10th of 23 secondary schools in Croydon. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2022.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 11 May 2022, report published 21 September 2022

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 May 2022

Leaders are focused on developing pupils as scholars, citizens and ambassadors. They have high expectations of pupils, and these are usually met. Pupils are respectful to each other. They enjoy learning and the enrichment opportunities that the school provides. For example, pupils involved in the school production are excited about the upcoming performance of 'Hairspray'. Sixth-form students are exemplary role models in the school community. Some hold student leadership responsibilities. Pupils are safe and feel safe in the school. They are confident approaching staff if they need help. Pupils say that any bullying is taken seriously, and staff act swiftly when it is reported. Working relationships between staff and pupils are positive. Pupils are almost always well engaged in their lessons. The personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum helps pupils to learn how to be safe and healthy. Leaders have given careful thought and consideration to the curriculum that pupils study. This means that when lessons are well taught, pupils achieve well. Pupils are ambitious for the future and value their education. They appreciate the guidance they get for careers. For example, selected pupils in Year 7 visited the University of Oxford to widen their experiences in mathematics and science.

What the school should improve

  • Assessment is used by most teachers to gauge what pupils know and understand. However, where teaching is not as strong, these strategies are not used as effectively. In these circumstances, pupils are not as clear about what they are learning, and some become disengaged. Leaders must ensure that all teachers address misconceptions swiftly and effectively so that pupils, including those with SEND, understand what they are required to do.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

161 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score48.2

48.2, 2.1 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths43.5%

43.5%, 1.9 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths60.2%

60.2%, 4.6 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc58.4%

58.4%, 17.9 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.50

4.50, 0.41 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

108 students

Average point score per A level entry30.39

30.39, 4.61 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,008 pupils on roll, with places for 1,150

Eligible for free school meals38.5%

38.5%, 12 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language34.1%

34.1%, 12.5 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support15.9%

15.9%, 1.1 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1.7%

1.7%, 4.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Harris Academy South Norwood

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Harris Professional Skills Sixth Form0.2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Harris City Academy Crystal Palace0.8 milesOfsted judgements: OutstandingAttainment 8: 52.3
Oasis Academy Arena0.8 milesReport card: Needs attention to strong standardAttainment 8: 37.6
Aya College (Educational Provision)0.9 milesOfsted: Requires improvementNot published
BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology1 mileOfsted judgements: OutstandingAttainment 8: 50.1

School details

School type
Academy sponsor led
Sector
Academy
Trust
HARRIS FEDERATION
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Charlie Comerford
Address
Cumberlow Avenue, London, SE25 6AE
Local authority
Croydon
URN
135249

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.