Archbishop Tenison's CofE High School

Founded in 1714 by Thomas Tenison, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, this voluntary-aided school carries a history of over three centuries in Croydon. While its roots are ancient, the school serves a modern, diverse community from its site on Selborne Road. As a Church of England school, faith is central to daily life, shaping an atmosphere that aims to be both academically purposeful and pastorally supportive.

The school motto, Tenaciter (Steadfastly), underpins an ethos that values persistence and community. Mr Richard Parrish, the Headteacher, leads a school where Christian values are explicit rather than implicit; the chapel is a focal point, and the school calendar is punctuated by services at Croydon Minster.

The campus blends historical and modern elements, reflecting its long tenure in the borough. Visitors often note the polite and calm conduct of students, a quality highlighted in the 2022 Ofsted inspection which described the community as "pleasant, welcoming and aspirational". The school operates a house system named after former Archbishops, which encourages a sense of belonging and friendly competition.

In the 2025 dataset, the school's GCSE performance sits in a weaker national position than the previous wording suggested. With an England academic rank of 3,813th of 3,895 (FindMySchool ranking), an Attainment 8 score of 45.3 and a Progress 8 score of -0.18, results sit below the national middle band.

At A-level, performance in the 2025 dataset is more mixed but no longer matches the old rank. The school ranked 1,768th of 2,549 schools in England for A-level academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), with 50% of entries graded A*-B and 10% at A*-A. The overall statistical profile suggests outcomes at this level are below the strongest sixth-form providers nationally.

The curriculum is described by inspectors as "ambitious in breadth and depth". In the lower years (Key Stage 3), students study a wide range of subjects, including Latin, German, and French. This breadth is intended to give students a rich cultural foundation before they narrow their choices for GCSE.

Teaching is characterised by strong subject knowledge and clear expectations. The school has worked to ensure that the curriculum is well-sequenced, allowing students to build knowledge logically over time. However, the academic challenge is balanced with support, particularly for those with special educational needs, whose provision is regarded as a strength.

Where Students Go Next

University remains the primary destination for Sixth Form leavers. In the most recent cohort data, 61% of students progressed to university. Destinations vary from Russell Group institutions to local universities, reflecting the diverse aspirations of the student body. A smaller proportion, around 4%, moved into apprenticeships, while 12% entered employment directly.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated by Croydon Council, but as a voluntary-aided school, the governors set the criteria. The school offers 150 places annually, divided between 'Foundation' places (60%) for practising Christians and 'Open' places (40%) which are available to the wider community based on distance or feeder school status.

Competition for places can be strong. In 2024, the school received 545 applications for its 160 offers (including appeals/late offers), making it oversubscribed. Families applying for a Foundation place must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to provide evidence of church attendance.

Pastoral care is structured to ensure every student is known. The house system provides a vertical support network, while form tutors oversee daily wellbeing. The school’s Christian character means that spiritual development is treated with the same importance as academic progress. The 2022 Ofsted report noted that "pupils generally behave well" and that bullying is rare, with students feeling safe and supported by staff.

Music and sport are the twin pillars of extracurricular life. The choir is particularly renowned, maintaining a rigorous schedule of performances including regular evensong. Sporting opportunities include football, netball, and cricket, making use of the school's facilities and local grounds.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is popular, and the school runs various trips and visits to enrich the curriculum, from theatre trips in London to residential experiences further afield.

Fees

This is a state-funded voluntary aided school and there are no tuition fees. Parents may be asked to contribute to the cost of school trips, music lessons, or specific extracurricular activities, but education itself is free.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:05pm. Located in South Croydon, the school is well-served by public transport, with East Croydon and South Croydon stations nearby, as well as numerous bus routes. There is no on-site parking for parents.

Faith commitment. The Christian ethos is genuine and pervasive. While the school welcomes children of other faiths or none, families should be comfortable with the requirement to attend Christian worship and the integration of faith into school life.

Admissions complexity. The split between Foundation and Open places means the admissions criteria are more complex than for a standard community school. Parents must ensure they complete the SIF if applying for a church place.

Sixth Form performance. While GCSE results are solid, A-level outcomes have historically been weaker relative to national averages. Families considering the Sixth Form should look closely at the specific results for the subjects their child intends to study.

Archbishop Tenison's offers a traditional, faith-based education with a history that few schools can match. It provides a supportive, well-ordered environment where students are known and cared for. Best suited to families seeking a school with strong Christian values and a community feel, rather than a high-pressure academic hothouse.