The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 47.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is nearly full at 92% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
65%
+3.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
9%
+1.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
106
0.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
104
-1.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
105
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Official DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
47.8
4.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
48%
6.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
16%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.48
Band 4Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
88%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
88%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
0%
Employment
Directly into work
0%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
8%
Based on 76 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 118 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- All-through
- Ages
- 4–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,098
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 47%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Newham
- Trust
- BIG EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr Moray Dickson
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Pitchford Street, Stratford, E15 4RZ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGainsborough Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Grange Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Eastlea Community School
Secondary · 1.8km away
Ian Mikardo School
Special school · 1.9km away
Ian Mikardo High School
Academy · 1.9km away
Bow School
Secondary · 1.9km away
St Helen's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Star Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is School 21 a selective school?
No. School 21 is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is School 21's Ofsted rating?
School 21 was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in April 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend School 21?
School 21 currently has 1,098 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does School 21 take?
School 21 caters for pupils aged 4 to 18. It is classified as a all-through school.
Where is School 21?
School 21 is in Stratford, E15 4RZ, in the Newham local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does School 21 have a sixth form?
Yes, School 21 has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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