Five schools and education settings across south London were recognized for outstanding and strong performances in their latest Ofsted reports published in September. Inspectors highlighted a range of strengths across schools in Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham, Southwark, Dartford, and Orpington, with many earning praise for strong leadership, inclusive learning environments, and ambitious support for pupils.
Several schools achieved Strong Standard ratings across multiple categories, while one Bromley grammar school secured three Exceptional judgements. Endeavour Academy Bexley, which achieved a Strong Standard in all six inspected areas, came out on top.
Endeavour Academy Bexley Leads with Strong Standard Across All Areas
The specialist school in Bexleyheath, which supports pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs and autism, was praised for helping pupils make rapid progress, improving attendance, and preparing young people well for future education, employment, and training. Inspectors also commended leaders' ambitious vision, highly personalized support, and strong focus on pupil wellbeing.
Headteacher Margaret Rozario described the outcome as a "tremendous achievement" and said inspectors had recognized the "caring, ambitious, and supportive environment" created by staff, pupils, and families.
Newstead Wood School Secures Three Exceptional Judgements
Elsewhere, Newstead Wood School in Orpington achieved three Exceptional judgements for achievement, attendance and behavior, and inclusion, alongside Strong Standard ratings in curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance, and post-16 provision.
Bursted Wood Primary School in Bexleyheath was awarded Strong Standard ratings across all seven inspection areas, while Stillness Infant School in Lewisham also secured Strong Standard judgements in every area assessed.
Other Schools Earn Strong Standard Ratings
In Bromley, Downe Primary School earned Strong Standard ratings across all seven categories, with inspectors recognizing strengths in achievement, behavior, teaching, inclusion, and leadership.
Meanwhile, Bedonwell Infant and Nursery School in Belvedere received Strong Standard ratings in early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing, while maintaining Expected Standards in other categories.
Detailed Ofsted Results for Top-Performing Schools
- Endeavour Academy Bexley, Bexleyheath – Strong Standard in all six areas: Achievement, Attendance and Behavior, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, Personal Development and Wellbeing.
- Newstead Wood School, Orpington – Exceptional in Achievement, Attendance and Behavior, and Inclusion; Strong Standard in Curriculum and Teaching, Leadership and Governance, and Post-16 Provision; Expected Standard in Personal Development and Wellbeing.
- Bursted Wood Primary School, Bexleyheath – Strong Standard in all seven areas: Achievement, Attendance and Behavior, Curriculum and Teaching, Early Years, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, Personal Development and Wellbeing.
- Stillness Infant School, Lewisham – Strong Standard in all seven areas.
- Downe Primary School, Orpington – Strong Standard in all seven areas.
- Bedonwell Infant and Nursery School, Belvedere – Strong Standard in Early Years, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing; Expected Standard in Achievement, Attendance and Behavior, and Curriculum and Teaching.
These results reflect the continued commitment of south London schools to providing high-quality education and support for their pupils, with leaders and staff receiving recognition for their efforts in fostering positive learning environments.
