Ravens Wood School

David Bowie and Peter Frampton once walked these corridors. Today, over 1,600 boys follow in their footsteps at a school that blends technical heritage with modern ambition. Ravens Wood School in Bromley has evolved from its origins as Bromley Technical High School into a comprehensive boys' secondary with a co-educational sixth form, rated Good by Ofsted and known for specialist academies in sport, music, and media. With nearly four applications for every Year 7 place, the school draws families from across the borough who value its combination of solid academic outcomes, sporting excellence, and creative pathways.

The school sits on Oakley Road in Bickley, occupying a site it moved to in January 1958. Lt.-Col. Lord Dudley Gordon officially inaugurated the buildings on 13 October 1960, and the larger playing fields that came with the relocation have shaped the school's identity ever since. The full-size 3G artificial pitch installed in 2012, measuring 107 metres by 66 metres, now hosts both football and rugby alongside natural grass pitches.

Ms Melanie Lester has led the school since September 2022, bringing 18 years of educational experience and a Master's Degree in Leading Teaching and Learning. Her previous seven years as a Senior Leader at the school mean she understands its culture intimately. The motto, Lead, Learn, Excel, captures a practical ethos focused on developing boys who can take initiative while applying themselves academically.

The school converted to academy status in April 2011 and is now part of the Impact Multi Academy Trust. Girls have been admitted to the sixth form since September 1997, and the name simplified from Ravens Wood School for Boys to simply Ravens Wood School in September 1999 to reflect this. The transformation from a selective technical school to a comprehensive with specialist academies represents a deliberate evolution rather than a departure from heritage.

Students describe an atmosphere that balances expectation with support. The 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that pupils behave very well in lessons and around the school, demonstrating respect and articulacy. Teachers speak highly of opportunities for professional development, and staff new to the profession report feeling valued and supported.

GCSE Results

GCSE performance places Ravens Wood in the solid middle ground of schools in England. The school ranks 1,578th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the middle 35% of schools (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 4th among Bromley secondaries.

The Attainment 8 score of 47.5 sits slightly above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.13 suggests pupils make marginally below average progress from their starting points, though this figure sits close to zero, indicating broadly typical progress.

The 2025 GCSE results showed 75% of students achieving standard passes in both English and Mathematics. Sciences performed strongly, with Physics at 98% grades 9-5, Chemistry at 89%, and Biology at 93%. Individual achievements included George Morrison securing 10 Grade 9s and 2 Grade 8s, while Jinghan Liang achieved 9 Grade 9s.

A-Level Results

At A-level, Ravens Wood ranks 1,546th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of schools (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it holds 4th position among Bromley sixth forms.

The 2025 results showed 14% of grades at A*-A, 43% at A*-B, and a 97% pass rate. Mathematics achieved 29% A*-A, while Further Mathematics reached 71% A*-B. English Literature and Language secured 89% at A*-C.

These results sit below the England average for A*-A (23.6%) but remain competitive within the comprehensive sector. The BTEC provision adds breadth, with one-third of grades achieving Distinction* or Distinction and over 80% at Merit or above.

The curriculum follows a traditional academic model with practical enhancements. English, languages, and humanities emerge as particular strengths, a finding confirmed by Ofsted, which noted pupils make particularly good progress in these subjects.

Setting exists in core subjects, and the options process in Year 9 allows specialisation. The school offers both French and German at A-level, maintaining language provision that many comprehensives have scaled back. Twenty-six subjects are available at A-level, including facilitating subjects required by Russell Group universities.

Leaders acknowledge that science teaching has needed attention. The 2023 inspection noted effective action being taken to address areas such as science where teaching was not as strong. GCSE science results in 2025 suggest this work is bearing fruit, with strong performance across the three separate sciences.

Personal development runs throughout the curriculum. Careers education receives dedicated attention, with most students completing work experience placements. The Extended Project Qualification is available for sixth formers seeking to develop independent research skills.

In 2024, 52% of leavers progressed to university. Apprenticeships attracted 9% of the cohort, while 27% moved directly into employment. These figures reflect a pragmatic mix of pathways rather than a singular focus on traditional university routes.

Cambridge admitted one student in the most recent cycle, from fifteen Oxbridge applications. This ranks Ravens Wood 287th in England for Oxford applications and 1,826th for Cambridge, indicating that while Oxbridge is achievable, it remains exceptional rather than routine.

Russell Group destinations feature prominently among university-bound students. The 2025 results celebrated Leo Karpys securing a place to read Medicine at Cambridge with A* in Biology and As in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Other destinations included Exeter, Sheffield, UCL, Bristol, Manchester, and the Architectural Association.

The Football Academy partnership with Fulham FC provides alternative elite pathways. Students access professional training facilities, coaches, and connections to semi-professional clubs. Several former students have progressed to professional or semi-professional sport, including Kai Pearce-Paul, who debuted for England Rugby League in the World Cup.

Ravens Wood is significantly oversubscribed. In 2024, the school received 813 applications for 216 Year 7 places, a ratio of nearly 3.8 applications per place. The last distance offered was 2.677 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Applications for Year 7 must be submitted through Bromley Council's coordinated admissions process. The deadline falls on 31 October for September entry. After children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school and looked-after children, places are allocated primarily by distance from home to school.

The school also considers children of staff as an oversubscription criterion. A separate form exists for families applying under this category. In-year admissions are handled through Bromley Council's central process.

The Open Day for September 2026 entry was held on Saturday 20 September 2025. Families who missed this should contact the school directly at openday@rws.uk.net for alternative arrangements or information about future events.

Appeals must be registered within 14 days of receiving a rejection, addressed to The Clerk to the Appeal Panel at the school.

Sixth Form Entry

External students can apply for Year 12 entry through the online portal at rws.applicaa.com/year12. The sixth form accepts both boys and girls, bringing approximately 150 girls into each year group. Entrance criteria documents and subject-specific prospectuses are available on the school website.

The induction programme runs from June to August, immersing students in their chosen subjects before the autumn term begins. This preparation helps both internal and external candidates transition successfully.

Each year group has a dedicated Head of Year, supported by form tutors who maintain daily contact with students. The pastoral structure includes eight directors overseeing key functions including achievement, wellbeing, and teaching standards.

Mr M French serves as Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding receives leadership attention. The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that staff work effectively with parents, carers, and external agencies when pupils need support.

The response to Parent View during the 2023 inspection was overwhelmingly positive. Parents feel informed about their sons' progress and confident that concerns will be addressed. The fortnightly newsletter keeps families updated on school life and any schedule changes.

Personal development forms an explicit curriculum strand, particularly in the sixth form where Keeping Safe in the Sixth Form guides the PSHE provision. Students report feeling supported in managing the transition to post-16 study.

Sport

Sport defines much of the school's extracurricular identity. The Rugby and Football Academies accept students entering Year 12 by trial only, providing up to five hours of professional coaching per fortnight alongside academic study.

The Football Academy partnership with Fulham FC gives students access to professional training facilities and coaching, with pathways into semi-professional clubs. The Rugby Academy reached the Daily Mail Vase Final at Twickenham in April 2012, losing narrowly to the Leys School.

At younger ages, competitive success continues. The Year 10 football squad won the English Schools' Football Association Under 15 Schools' Cup in May 2007. The Year 8 team won the Under 13 Schools Cup on penalties at Reading's Madejski Stadium in April 2014.

Beyond elite academies, basketball features in the Key Stage 3 curriculum, with dedicated half-terms in Years 7-9 developing skills and tactics. Netball operates at representative level in the sixth form, and running programmes are available across year groups.

Music and Media

The Ravens Wood Music Academy, launched in September 2011, admits students by audition only, with Grade 5 as the minimum standard. Timetabled Music Academy sessions supplement mainstream sixth form study, developing elite performers, composers, and technicians.

Since launch, Music Academy students have collaborated with Bromley Youth Music Trust, Music for Youth at regional and national festivals, ArtsTrain, University of the Arts London, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. These partnerships provide industry exposure uncommon in state provision.

The Ravens Wood Academy of Media (RAMS) prepares students for creative industry careers through workshops with professional practitioners, timetabled sessions, and support creating portfolios and showreels. The annual RAM Awards ceremony at a local cinema celebrates student work across technical and creative categories.

Drama and Enrichment

Drama enrichment includes one-to-one work with professional actors and directors on audition preparation. Students can prepare for drama school applications, National Youth Theatre auditions, or LAMDA qualifications.

The school achieved success in the Rock Challenge dance and drama competition, winning the Southern Premier league three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010.

Around 50 different clubs operate across departments. The Debating Club, Philosopher Kings discussion group, RWS Scholars programme, and IFS School of Finance Student Investment Challenge offer intellectual extension. Duke of Edinburgh runs at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.

STEM Academy

The STEM Academy joins the specialist academies for Year 12 entrants, providing professional coaching and dedicated sessions for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pathways.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The site is located at Oakley Road, Bickley, BR2 8HP. Bickley railway station sits within walking distance, providing connections to central London. Bus routes serve the area, and limited parking is available for school events.

The 3G pitch is available for community hire outside school hours. Sports team members pay annual subscription fees covering equipment, travel, competition costs, and referee fees. The school supports families experiencing financial hardship in meeting these costs.

Competitive entry. With nearly four applications per place and a last distance offered of 2.677 miles, families outside the immediate area face long odds. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Boys only to Year 11. The main school remains single-sex. Girls join only at sixth form. Families wanting co-education throughout should look elsewhere.

Progress 8 marginally negative. The -0.13 score suggests pupils make slightly below expected progress from their starting points. While close to zero, families of high-attaining boys should consider whether the school maximises potential.

Academy pathways require trial or audition. The specialist academies in sport, music, and media are selective. Students must demonstrate existing ability to access these opportunities.

Ravens Wood delivers a solid comprehensive education enhanced by specialist pathways in sport, music, and media. The heritage that produced David Bowie and Peter Frampton lives on in academies that develop elite performers alongside mainstream academics. Results sit in the middle ground, neither exceptional nor concerning, with particular strength in humanities and languages.

Best suited to boys within the admissions catchment who will engage with the breadth of opportunity, whether that means trials for the Football Academy, auditions for Music, or simply participating in the 50-plus clubs on offer. The main challenge lies in securing a place; once in, the combination of solid teaching, strong pastoral care, and extensive extracurricular provision serves most boys well.