Swanlea School

Secondary
Local authority maintained
Ages 11 to 18

Ofsted: Outstanding

31 Brady Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 5DJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Swanlea School is a secondary school in Tower Hamlets for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 109 schools in Tower Hamlets. It ranks 1st of 17 secondary schools in Tower Hamlets. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in April 2024.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 24 April 2024, report published 12 June 2024

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

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

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 April 2024

Leaders have very high expectations for all pupils. Every pupil attends enrichment activities organised by the school and which enrich their experiences, deepen their interests and build character. Pupils learn to play musical instruments, see theatre performances, visit places of religious and historical significance and look around universities. Through the curriculum, pupils develop a deep understanding of the subjects they study over time. As a result, pupils achieve highly. They leave with qualifications and personal traits that help them to be successful in the next stage of their education, training or employment. Pupils are safe and happy. Through the school's 'stand up to speak out' initiative, pupils share their views about issues that affect them in the school and the local area. Leaders listen to what pupils tell them. Student ambassadors strive to make the school even better. Behaviour across the school is exceptional. Pupils enjoy extremely positive working relationships with all staff, based on mutual respect. Pupils move around the school in a calm, orderly and purposeful manner. They are considerate of each other and staff.

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

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

207 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score56.9

56.9, 10.8 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths63.8%

63.8%, 18.4 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths81.2%

81.2%, 16.4 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc71.5%

71.5%, 31 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score5.25

5.25, 1.16 above the England average of 4.09.

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

100 students

Average point score per A level entry35.94

35.94, 0.94 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B-, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,253 pupils on roll, with places for 1,260

Eligible for free school meals43.7%

43.7%, 17.2 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language19.3%

19.3%, 2.3 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support11.1%

11.1%, 3.7 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan7.5%

7.5%, 1.5 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Swanlea School

School	Distance	Ofsted	Results
London East Academy	0.3 miles	Ofsted: Good	Attainment 8: 55.7
London Islamic School	0.4 miles	Ofsted: Good	Attainment 8: 58.7
Madani Secondary Girls' School	0.4 miles	Ofsted: Good	Attainment 8: 56.6
Wapping High School	0.4 miles	Ofsted: Good	Attainment 8: 46.9
London Enterprise Academy	0.4 miles	Ofsted judgements: Good	Attainment 8: 48.0

School details

School type: Community school
Sector: Local authority maintained
Age range: 11 to 18
Gender: Mixed
Sixth form: Yes
Headteacher: Mr Kabir Miah
Phone: 02073753267
Website: swanlea.co.uk (opens in a new tab)
Address: 31 Brady Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 5DJ
Local authority: Tower Hamlets
URN: 100973

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.