Ofsted: The 8 ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ London primary and secondary schools rated in 2023

In a city the size of London, as you might expect, there is a wide disparity in the ratings of different schools.

Ofsted rates each educational institution on a four-point scale from ‘inadequate’ and ‘requires improvement’, to ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’.

All schools are judged on their overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, levels of personal development, and leadership and management.

Here are the eight schools in London that have achieved a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating in 2023:

The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overie, Southwark (Outstanding)

The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overie in Southwark was rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted following its visit in December 2022. The report published by Ofsted reads: “Pupils are very proud to attend this school, where they feel part of a big family. They appreciate the strong sense of community that leaders and staff foster.”

It continues: “Pupils’ behaviour is exceptional and is guided by the school’s values. They are incredibly polite, respectful, kind and considerate of each other.” Read the full report here.

St Saviour’s and St Olave’s Church of England School, Elephant and Castle, (Good)

St Saviour’s and St Olave’s Church of England School near Elephant and Castle was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after inspectors visited in November. The report published by Ofsted reads: “Pupils are safe and happy at school. They value the education they receive and are kind to one another. Little learning time is lost to poor behaviour.”

It continues: “Leaders and teachers are ambitious for all their pupils. They want them to be the best they can be, and look beyond the school in search of additional opportunities to enrich pupils’ experience of education.” Read the full report here.

Marylebone Boys’ School, Paddington (Good)

Marylebone Boys’ School in Paddington was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after a November visit. The report published by Ofsted reads: “Pupils are excellent ambassadors for their school. Most are very eager to learn. Across the school, pupils enjoy taking part in the wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities that staff organise for them.”

It continues: “Behaviour around the building is calm and respectful. Pupils and sixth-form students said that bullying is rare and sorted out by staff if it does occur.” Read the full report here.

Thornhill Primary School, Islington (Good)

Thornhill Primary School was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after its visit in November 2022. The report published by Ofsted reads: “This is a friendly, caring and welcoming school that pupils enjoy attending. They are happy here and kept safe. Pupils said that their teachers are kind and helpful and make learning interesting and fun.”

It continues: “Pupils know that they are safe because they can speak to an adult if they have any concerns or worries. Any issues are dealt with quickly.” Read the full report here.

Chesterton Primary School, Battersea (Outstanding)

Chesterton Primary School in Battersea was rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted during their visit in December 2022. The report published by Ofsted reads: “Leaders provide a highly effective curriculum and wide range of opportunities to enable all pupils to flourish. Pupils believe they can do well and they work hard.”

It continues: “Pupils have positive, respectful working relationships with adults and each other. Pupils said that the adults help them to sort out any problems that may arise.” Read the full report here.

Westbridge Academy, Battersea (Good)

Westbridge Academy in Battersea was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted during its visit in November 2022. The report published by Ofsted reads: “Staff and pupils are caring towards each other and, together, create a strong sense of community in the school. Leaders know the pupils and their families well.”

It continues: “Leaders have identified areas where support is most needed and addressed them promptly. They have provided pupils with a stable environment where they continue to grow in their learning.” Read the full report here.

Haggerston School, Hackney (Good)

Haggerston School in Hackney was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted during their visit in December 2022. The report published by Ofsted reads: “Many pupils, including sixth-form students, take part in weekly timetabled enrichment sessions. Most pupils in Year 9 complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award.”

It continues: “Pupils take part in a range of performance opportunities, including through creative arts. Staff encourage pupils to take on leadership responsibilities.” Read the full report here.

Compass School Southwark, Bermondsey (Good)

Compass School Southwark in Bermondsey was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after a visit in November 2022. The report reads: “Pupils at this school learn in a calm and well-ordered environment where they feel safe. Teachers know their pupils well.”

It continues: “Leaders are determined to broaden pupils’ horizons. Pupils take part in many different activities and new learning opportunities.” Read the full report here.