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 fosters a sense of belonging and friendly competition.
In 2024, the school's GCSE performance was solid, placing it in the national typical band. With an England rank of 2,183 (FindMySchool ranking), results sit comfortably in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.
At A-level, performance in 2024 was more mixed. The school ranked 2,374th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national lower band. While some students achieve top grades, the overall statistical profile suggests outcomes at this level are below the England average.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
22.73%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
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.
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.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
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.
Applications
545
Total received
Places Offered
160
Subscription Rate
3.4x
Apps per place
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.
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.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent full inspection in March 2022. Inspectors praised the ambitious curriculum and the pleasant, welcoming school community.
Not necessarily. While 60% of places are reserved for practising Christians (Foundation places), 40% are Open places available to the wider community regardless of faith, allocated mainly by distance or feeder school status.
Results are solid and consistent with the national average. In 2024, the school ranked in the middle 35% of schools in England for GCSE performance.
Yes. The school has a Sixth Form which is open to both internal and external applicants. It offers a range of A-level subjects, though A-level performance rankings are generally lower than those for GCSE.
Applications for Year 7 are made via the Croydon Council website (or your home local authority). If you are applying for a Foundation place, you must also complete the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and return it directly to the school.
Get in touch with the school directly
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