The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 34.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
34.7
9.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
27%
15.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
11%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.32
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
87%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
77%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
10%
Based on 283 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 22 days per year on average — over a month of school.
36% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 21 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 18 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 60 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,087
- Capacity
- 59%
- FSM
- 29.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bexley
- Trust
- THE KEMNAL ACADEMIES TRUST
- Head
- Mr Brian Griffen (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Requires Improvement
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
May 2023 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Inadequate
February 2022 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2018 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2017 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Good
February 2015 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
May 2012 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Elsa Road, Welling, Kent, DA16 1LB
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmPark View Academy
Independent · 726m away
Foster's Primary School
Primary · 763m away
St Stephen's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 775m away
East Wickham Infant School
Primary · 821m away
Barrington Primary School
Primary · 829m away
Westbrooke School
Special school · 932m away
Aspire Academy
Academy · 932m away
Brampton Primary Academy
Primary · 1.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Welling School a selective school?
No. Welling School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Welling School's Ofsted rating?
Welling School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in October 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Welling School?
Welling School currently has 1,087 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Welling School take?
Welling School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Welling School?
Welling School is in Welling, DA16 1LB, in the Bexley local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Welling School have a sixth form?
Yes, Welling School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.