The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2020).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 52.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2020
- This is a Christian school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
52.8
9.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
49%
6.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
57%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.14
Band 3Source: 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
84%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
83%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
12%
Based on 133 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
17% 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, 14 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 93 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Christian
Numbers
- Pupils
- 836
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 51.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Lambeth
- Trust
- UNITED LEARNING TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Amy Welch (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Good
February 2020 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
October 2017 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
July 2017 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Good
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
February 2012 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Monitoring visit
May 2011 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2010 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
May 2007 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
November 2005 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Elms Road, Clapham, London, SW4 9ET
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmThe White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten
Independent · 1.4km away
Henry Cavendish Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
St Bede's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Balham Nursery School
Nursery · 1.5km away
Holy Ghost Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Telferscot Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Chestnut Grove Academy
Secondary · 1.7km away
Hornsby House School
Independent · 1.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Elms Academy a selective school?
No. The Elms Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Elms Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Elms Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Elms Academy?
The Elms Academy currently has 836 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Elms Academy take?
The Elms Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Elms Academy?
The Elms Academy is in London, SW4 9ET, in the Lambeth local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Elms Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, The Elms Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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