Colfe's School

One of London's oldest schools quietly delivering exceptional results from a leafy corner of south-east London. Founded in 1652 by the Reverend Abraham Colfe and still governed by the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, this co-educational day school serves pupils from age 3 to 18 across purpose-built facilities in Lee. The 2023 ISI inspection awarded the school its highest rating of Excellent. With nearly 80% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and over 85% of A-levels at A*-B, Colfe's combines historic roots with contemporary ambition. Four students secured Oxbridge places in 2024, while the majority progress to Russell Group universities. Fees of £8,733 per term sit below many London independents, with a quarter of pupils receiving financial assistance.

The school occupies a 30-acre site in Horn Park, a suburban pocket of Greenwich where playing fields stretch towards the horizon. The original "School on the Hill" at Lewisham was destroyed by flying bombs in 1944, forcing evacuation to Tunbridge Wells and Somerset. The current campus dates from 1964 and has been steadily expanded since. Modern buildings cluster around courtyards and green spaces, creating an environment that feels spacious rather than cramped.

Dan Gabriele took over as Head in September 2025, succeeding Richard Russell after twenty years of leadership. An Oxford History and English graduate, he has taught at schools including Latymer Upper, Eton, and Brighton College. His stated priorities put pastoral care first: the aim is for pupils to be happy and successful, in that order. This ethos permeates daily life, from Year 7 Tougher Minds (a resilience programme) to timetabled eudaimonia lessons exploring wellbeing and flourishing. Gabriele is married to Izzy, a drama teacher, and has two sons; his experience directing plays, leading cultural trips, and coaching cricket and football suggests active involvement in school life beyond the office.

The school's motto, Learn to Live, captures its dual emphasis on academic rigour and personal development. The five houses use vertical tutor groups (Years 8 to 11), creating what staff describe as healthy competition alongside pastoral support. The September 2023 ISI inspection found that pupils demonstrate respect for themselves and others, embracing tolerant and inclusive attitudes within the school community.

Co-education has been a feature since 1999, though girls were first admitted to the Sixth Form in 1977 when the school returned to independent status. The Junior School, established in the 1990s, feeds approximately 85% of its pupils into the Senior School at 11+, often with scholarships awarded along the way. This creates continuity from nursery through to A-levels. The sense of community is tangible; former pupils include Eric Ambler, whose spy thrillers earned international acclaim, Henry Williamson, author of Tarka the Otter, and David Lindsay, whose science fiction novel A Voyage to Arcturus earned praise from JRR Tolkien.

Abraham Colfe was born in Canterbury in 1580 and became Vicar of Lewisham in 1610. He first proposed founding a grammar school in 1626, and the Free Grammar School officially opened on Lewisham Hill on 10 June 1652. The school served boys from "the Hundred of Blackheath" as Colfe intended. When Colfe died in 1657, he entrusted the school to the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, one of the historic livery companies of the City of London. The first Leathersellers' visitation as governors took place in July 1658.

The school was first referred to as Colfe's Grammar School in 1794. In 1887, Queen Victoria gave Royal Assent to a scheme modernising the school and confirming its grammar school status. The Leathersellers funded new buildings in 1890. After the wartime destruction and evacuation, the school returned to a rebuilt site in 1948. Having operated as a voluntary aided grammar school for decades, Colfe's became independent again in 1977, a status it has maintained since. The 370-year connection with the Leathersellers' Company continues to shape the school's character, funding scholarships and contributing to facilities.

Academic outcomes place Colfe's among the strongest schools in England and the leading performer in Greenwich. At GCSE in 2024, 79% of grades were 9-7 (A*/A equivalent), with 55% at the highest grades of 9-8. The school ranks 116th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably within the top 3% of schools in England. Locally, Colfe's holds the number one position among all schools in Greenwich.

At A-level, results are equally impressive. In 2024, 86% of grades were A*-B, with 61% at A*/A. The school ranks 110th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), again within the top 5% in England and first in Greenwich. The combined ranking across both GCSE and A-level places Colfe's 103rd in England, reflecting consistent performance across both stages. These figures represent sustained improvement over recent years, something the previous headmaster noted as particularly pleasing in the context of the ISI inspection.

The curriculum follows traditional academic lines with modern additions. All pupils use Microsoft Surface devices purchased through the school. Students typically sit between nine and twelve GCSEs, including the core academic subjects. A-level students begin with four subjects in Year 12, narrowing to three for Year 13. The BTEC in Sport and Exercise Science provides a vocational alternative for those seeking a different pathway. Year 12 pupils also complete the GCiE (the Goldsmiths Colfe's Interim Examination). Developed with Goldsmiths, University of London, it is designed to build university-level research and critical thinking skills before students begin their A-level examinations.

Class sizes average 20 pupils to one teacher, allowing for individual attention within a structured environment. Teachers have expert subject knowledge, with guidance that supports pupils' progress and builds confidence. The ISI inspection noted that pupils receive education that is wide-ranging, appropriately challenging, and prepares them effectively for life beyond school. Leaders' commitment to inclusion enables pupils of different ages and abilities to achieve highly through extensive academic and co-curricular provision.

Learning support is notably comprehensive. Around 29% of pupils sit on the learning support register; the school also accepts pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Support covers dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, and speech and communication difficulties. In the Junior School, approximately 80 pupils receive dedicated support, with a team including a SENCO and specialist staff working across the age range.

The Junior School employs continuous provision in the early years, promoting independence, communication and critical enquiry. Forest school sessions take place on a nearby site with a dedicated forest leader; Nursery and Reception go weekly, while Years 1 and 2 go fortnightly. Reading initiatives include a book vending machine in the reception area where pupils earn tokens to collect new reads. These approaches encourage literacy from the earliest years and reflect the school's investment in learning innovation.

Extended Project Qualifications are available for sixth formers seeking to develop independent research skills beyond the A-level syllabus. The combination of academic stretch and support reflects a school culture where high expectations are paired with practical assistance for those who need it.

In 2024, 76% of Colfe's leavers progressed to university. Four students secured Oxbridge places, with three taking up medical school offers. 60% of university-bound leavers joined Russell Group institutions, with Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, and Lancaster proving particularly popular destinations.

Twenty-four students applied to Oxford or Cambridge in the most recent cycle, receiving four offers, all of which converted to places. Oxford proved more successful, with three of nine applicants receiving offers compared to one from fifteen at Cambridge. While Oxbridge numbers are modest compared to London's uber-selective day schools, they reflect a cohort breadth that includes students pursuing drama schools, art colleges, music conservatoires, and competitive degree apprenticeship programmes. 3% of the 2024 cohort entered apprenticeships, while 8% moved directly into employment.

The school ranked 47th among independent schools and 14th for A-level performance in the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power league table, recognition of its consistent academic improvement. Beyond the headline destinations, students benefit from structured careers guidance, university application support, and connections facilitated by the Old Colfeians network and the Leathersellers' Company.

The Junior School occupies its own section of the campus, educating approximately 433 pupils from age 3 to 11. Marie-Clare Gilfedder-Bonnar has led the Junior School since 2022, having read law at Strathclyde University before a decade at Blackheath High Juniors, where she rose to deputy head.

Entry is selective from the start. Two classes enter Nursery, with a third class added at Reception. There is also a formal 7+ entry point that provides additional places, and waiting lists operate at all stages. Approximately 85% of Junior School pupils progress to the Senior School at 11+, often with scholarships awarded.

The early years curriculum focuses on communication, curiosity, independence and critical thinking. Music is taught by specialists, with pupils learning ukuleles, cellos, and double basses. Multiple choirs and an orchestra perform regularly. Sport spans swimming, football, hockey and netball, alongside athletics, cross-country, rugby and cricket. Nursery, reception, and Year 1 pupils swim every week, establishing water confidence from the earliest years.

Entry points span the school's age range. The Junior School admits pupils to nursery (age 3+), reception (age 4+), and Year 3 (age 7+). The Senior School's main entry is Year 7 (age 11+), with a smaller intake at Year 12 for sixth form.

Competition is significant. Year 7 intake is typically around 120–140 pupils, with roughly a third coming from the Junior School. The school reports roughly four applicants per external place. Between 20 and 30 external students join the sixth form annually, requiring strong GCSE results for admission.

Assessment at 11+ involves entrance examinations; academic scholarships are automatically considered for all candidates. Sixth form entry requires strong GCSE results, with specific grade requirements varying by subject combination. The Junior School employs age-appropriate assessments, with formal testing at 7+ entry.

Autumn open events for September 2026 entry have concluded. Families interested in September 2027 entry should watch for events announced in spring 2026. Prospective families can contact the admissions team directly to arrange alternative visits; the Junior School is reachable at 020 8463 8266 and the Senior School at 020 8852 2283.

Pastoral structures combine traditional house systems with contemporary wellbeing initiatives. Years 8 to 11 are organised into five houses via vertical tutor groups, mixing ages to encourage mentorship and community. The houses compete in academic, sporting, and creative activities throughout the year.

In Year 7, pupils take Tougher Minds, a programme focused on building resilience and coping strategies. Eudaimonia lessons run on the timetable across Years 7–11, exploring wellbeing, happiness and human flourishing. The Year 9 bushcraft residential takes students out of their comfort zone in a supported environment, developing practical skills and self-reliance.

Safeguarding is prioritised, with a large and highly skilled senior leadership team overseeing policies and procedures. Teachers' guidance supports pupils' progress while building confidence. Student societies including Stressbusters and the EDI (equality, diversity, and inclusion) group provide peer-led support networks. Hardship bursaries offer short-term assistance to current families experiencing significant financial changes.

Creative Arts

The Beardwood Centre brings drama, music, and creative art and design together under one roof. Facilities include a 130-seat theatre, music recital hall, dance studio, and extensive visual arts spaces encompassing studios for photography, 3D design, textiles, and a darkroom alongside digital facilities. The building provides space for both curriculum delivery and co-curricular activity.

Music provision is comprehensive. Every Year 7 pupil gets a one-year introduction to learning an instrument through a dedicated scheme, ensuring every student has exposure to instrumental performance. Ensembles include choirs, orchestra, wind band, jazz band, and barbershop choir. In the Junior School, pupils learn ukuleles, cellos, and double basses, with multiple choirs and an orchestra performing at school events.

Drama thrives with regular productions staged in the theatre. The school's creative output includes student-led initiatives alongside directed shows. Notable alumni in the arts include Norman Hepple, who became a member of the Royal Academy and President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, and Edward Wesson, whose painting of the old school hangs in the headmaster's corridor.

Sport

On-site facilities include a sports and leisure centre with a 25m swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all-weather surface, and tennis courts. The 30-acre grounds accommodate multiple playing fields. Additional facilities at the Leathersellers' sports ground and Horn Park nearby extend options further. The leisure centre operates as a community facility, with membership available from £31 per month.

Girls play hockey, netball, football, and cricket; boys play rugby, football, and cricket. Swimming features prominently, with nursery, reception, and Year 1 pupils swimming weekly. Athletics and cross-country complete the core programme. The all-weather surface, opened in 2006 and partly funded by parent and alumni donations, allows year-round fixtures regardless of weather.

STEM

The Electric Car Club represents hands-on engineering, with students designing and racing vehicles in competitions. Lego Robotics prepares teams for inter-school contests. The Medics' Society supports those pursuing medicine with interview preparation and work experience guidance. Strategy Games Club and Philosophy Society cater to those who enjoy intellectual challenge beyond the curriculum.

Clubs & Societies

The club list reflects student interests and evolves with the cohort. Fem Soc provides space for feminist discussion. Foreign Film club explores cinema beyond Hollywood. The EDI group promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion across the school community. Academic societies supplement classroom learning, while recreational clubs ensure balance. This breadth supports the school's aim to develop rounded individuals who contribute to school life beyond the classroom.

Day fees for 2025-26 are £8,733 per term for Years 7 to 13, equating to approximately £26,199 annually. Junior School fees range from £4,290 per term for nursery to £7,218 per term for Years 3-6. Reception fees vary depending on whether families access the 15 funded hours (£5,052 per term with funding, £6,210 without). Years 1 and 2 are charged £6,450 per term.

Fees include tuition, basic stationery, materials, textbooks, library access, and activities including Orchestra and Choir. Parent association subscriptions and personal accident insurance are also covered. Lunches are optional at £290-£355 per term depending on year group. A £2,250 deposit (including VAT) is required upon accepting a place, refundable when the student leaves. Senior School pupils must purchase Microsoft Surface devices on entry. An advance payment scheme allows parents to purchase fee credits at a discount.

Financial assistance is substantial. Approximately one quarter of pupils receive some form of fee support. Academic scholarships offer 10-30% fee reduction, with up to 50% for exceptional performers. Means-tested scholarships are available for households earning under £40,000 annually, covering up to 100% or more of fees for qualifying candidates. Co-curricular scholarships in music, drama, creative art and design, and sport typically provide 10-20% reduction.

Music scholarship candidates need Grade 4 minimum, with Grade 6+ recommended for piano and violin at 11+ and Grade 7+ at 16+. Sport scholarships look for club-level participation in core sports. Drama candidates should have performance experience, while creative art and design applicants submit portfolios demonstrating diverse media skills.

The Leathersellers' Scholarship Programme deserves particular attention. Fully funded sixth form places are available for state school pupils who qualify for free school meals or have household income below £40,000, requiring a minimum of five Grade 8s at GCSE. This scheme, funded by the livery company that has governed the school since 1652, represents genuine widening participation. The programme specifically targets able students from local state schools that do not have sixth forms.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 4pm for Senior School pupils. Junior School hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm. Breakfast club and after-school care are available for younger pupils, supporting working families. The school occupies Horn Park Lane in Lee, SE12, well served by public transport. Lee station on the Southeastern network is nearby, with bus routes along the main roads providing connections across south-east London.

Selective entry. Competition for places is significant, with approximately four applicants per Year 7 place. Families should prepare for entrance assessments and consider backup options. The Junior School pathway improves progression odds, with 85% moving to Senior School.

South-east London location. The school draws from a wide catchment across south-east London and north-west Kent. Travel times from central or north London can be substantial. Families should factor commuting into daily routines.

Day school only. There is no boarding provision. Students must travel daily, and the school expects full participation in the extended day, including after-school activities and fixtures.

Device requirement. Senior School pupils must purchase Microsoft Surface devices through the school, an additional cost on top of fees. Parents should budget accordingly.

Colfe's offers something increasingly rare: a historically rooted London independent with strong academic results, genuine financial assistance, and an atmosphere that prioritises happiness alongside achievement. The ISI's Excellent rating reflects a school performing at a high level across academics, pastoral care, and co-curricular provision.

Best suited to families seeking a co-educational day school in south-east London with academic rigour but without the pressure-cooker atmosphere of some central London alternatives. The Junior School provides a natural feeder route, while external entry at 11+ and 16+ welcomes new arrivals. The Leathersellers' scholarships offer a genuine pathway for state school pupils who would otherwise be unable to afford independent education.

The main challenge is securing entry. Once through the door, students join a community with 370 years of history, strong results, and destinations ranging from Oxbridge to drama school.