Eltham Hill School Review 2026: A Century of Excellence in Greenwich

When Miss Amy Bramwell opened the doors of Eltham Hill Grammar School for Girls on 18 September 1906, she established a tradition of academic ambition and social responsibility that persists today. Over a century later, the school remains Greenwich's leading girls' secondary institution, rated Good by Ofsted and ranked in the top 23% of schools in England for GCSE results. The school has evolved from selective grammar school to comprehensive provider, and now offers a genuinely co-educational sixth form where boys join girls for A-levels and the International Baccalaureate. With approximately 1,050 pupils across Years 7 to 13, Eltham Hill combines historical heritage with contemporary relevance, serving local families and drawing ambitious students from across London.

The red-brick campus on Eltham Hill carries the weight of its history visibly. The original 1927 building, designed by the London County Council Architects' Department, has been substantially extended since the comprehensive reorganisation of the 1970s, yet retains distinctive character. Students move purposefully between lessons, and the atmosphere reflects the school's stated values of Excellence, Happiness, and Success.

Ms Erika Podmore has led the school as headteacher in recent years, steering an institution that has navigated significant educational change. The school's motto, "Labour and Make Music," inscribed in the school magazine since 1907, captures something essential about the place: learning is work, but creativity and joy are woven through it. This is not a school that treats academic rigour and pastoral warmth as opposites.

The founding headmistress, Miss Bramwell, established traditions of charity work and social engagement that the school honours today. Her legacy of service (she began the practice of distributing gifts to the poorest schools in London in December 1906) continues in the school's commitment to community and enrichment beyond the classroom.

GCSE Performance

Eltham Hill's GCSE results demonstrate consistent strength. In the most recent data, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 52.5, placing it above the England average of 45.9. 30% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7, with 18% reaching the highest grades of 9-8. These figures reflect solid academic performance across the cohort.

The school ranks 1054th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 23% of schools. Locally, it ranks 7th among Greenwich schools, a position of strength in a competitive London borough. The Progress 8 score of +0.25 indicates pupils make above-average progress from their starting points, a meaningful indicator of the school's impact on individual student development.

English Baccalaureate performance shows 34.1% of pupils achieving grades 5 or above across the core subjects plus a language or humanities option, with an average EBacc APS score of 4.72. This reflects the school's commitment to breadth alongside depth.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form, co-educational since sixth form entry, delivers solid A-level outcomes. In the most recent cohort, 59.6% of A-level grades achieved A*-B, with 8.5% at A* and 22.6% at A. This places the school in the typical performance band for sixth form performance, ranking 702nd in England (FindMySchool ranking).

Thirty A-level subjects are offered, providing genuine choice. Beyond traditional academic options, students can pursue International Baccalaureate qualifications and BTEC programmes, creating pathways suited to different learners. The breadth of offer reflects the school's commitment to supporting diverse aspirations.

Teaching at Eltham Hill follows clear structures and high expectations. The school operates a traditional subject-based curriculum, with specialist teaching from Year 7. Science is taught as separate disciplines from the outset, and languages (including French and Spanish) are central to the curriculum rather than optional.

The school's curriculum is ambitious, particularly in the humanities and sciences. Teachers are subject specialists, and the school has maintained the tradition of rigorous academic study that characterised its grammar school heritage. This is evident in the A-level subject range and the expectation that students engage deeply with their disciplines.

Enrichment is built into school life. Academic scholars participate in extension seminars and competitions. The school actively encourages participation in subject-specific challenges and competitions, from mathematics olympiads to science fairs. This culture of intellectual curiosity reflects the school's founding motto and continues the tradition established by Miss Bramwell's first staff.

University Destinations

In the 2023-24 cohort, 74% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with a further 2% entering further education, 2% starting apprenticeships, and 10% entering employment. This reflects a school where the majority of students continue to higher education, though the school also supports alternative pathways for those seeking them.

Eltham Hill students have secured places at a range of universities. In the measurement period, three students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing an offer and ultimately accepting a place at Cambridge. While Oxbridge entry is not the dominant destination, it demonstrates the school's capacity to prepare students for the most competitive universities.

The school's university destinations reflect London's geography and the school's academic profile. Students progress to a range of universities across the UK, with particular representation at institutions across London and the south-east.

Music: A Living Tradition

Music has been central to Eltham Hill since Miss Bramwell taught singing to the first cohort of 40 pupils in 1906. Today, the school maintains an active music programme that extends well beyond the classroom. The school choir performs at major events throughout the year, and instrumental tuition is available across a range of instruments. The music department runs regular concerts and performances, creating opportunities for students at all levels to participate.

Students can learn instruments including piano, violin, cello, woodwind, and brass. The school's commitment to music is reflected in the participation rates and the quality of ensemble work. Chamber groups and smaller ensembles provide opportunities for advanced musicians, while beginners' groups ensure inclusive access to musical learning.

Drama and Performing Arts

The drama programme is active and visible. The school produces major theatrical productions annually, drawing on the talents of students across multiple year groups. Productions have included adaptations of classics and contemporary pieces, with full orchestration and professional-standard sets. The school's three performance spaces accommodate everything from intimate studio performances to full-scale productions.

Drama is taught as a GCSE and A-level subject, and the co-curricular drama programme extends opportunities to all students regardless of examination choice. The school's commitment to performance is evident in the calendar of events throughout the year.

Sports and Physical Activity

Physical education is compulsory throughout the school, and the sports programme is comprehensive. The school fields teams in netball, hockey, tennis, badminton, athletics, and cricket. The school's sports facilities include a gymnasium, courts, and access to local facilities for water sports and outdoor activities.

Participation in inter-house competitions and fixtures against other schools is encouraged. The school's location in south-east London provides access to facilities and natural spaces that support outdoor education and physical development. Sports leadership opportunities are available for older students.

STEM

The school's history as a Technology College (specialist status held from 1996 onwards) reflects a sustained commitment to STEM education. Science is taught as separate disciplines, with dedicated laboratory facilities. The school offers triple science GCSE, allowing students to pursue deeper engagement with physics, chemistry, and biology.

Technology and computing are integrated throughout the curriculum. The school maintains computer facilities and supports coding and digital literacy across all year groups. Engineering and technology clubs provide opportunities for students to engage in practical, project-based learning.

Student Leadership and Enrichment

The school operates a student leadership programme, with elected representatives and positions of responsibility throughout the school. Year 11 students take on mentoring roles, supporting younger students in their academic and personal development. This structure continues the tradition of student service and social responsibility established by Miss Bramwell.

Enrichment activities include subject-specific clubs, language learning groups, and activities supporting personal development. The school's commitment to broadening experience extends to educational visits, trips, and partnerships with external organisations.

Community and Service

The tradition of social service that began in December 1906, when Miss Bramwell's pupils distributed gifts to the poorest schools in London, continues today. The school maintains partnerships with local charities and community organisations. Students participate in fundraising and volunteer activities, embedding the value of service within school culture.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. There are no charges for admission or annual tuition. However, families should budget for uniform, educational visits, and optional extras such as instrumental music tuition and school trips. The school lunch service is available, with costs met through the parent pay system.

School hours are 8:30am to 3:00pm for Years 7-11, with sixth form students following a different timetable reflecting their greater independence. The school operates a standard academic calendar with breaks at half-term, Easter, and summer.

Eltham Hill is a non-selective state school, admitting pupils on the basis of distance from the school and sibling connections. The school is significantly oversubscribed, with 770 applications for 213 places in the most recent admissions round, a subscription ratio of 3.62 applications per place. This reflects the school's popularity and reputation within Greenwich.

The last distance offered was 1.791 miles in the most recent admissions cycle. This distance varies annually depending on the distribution of applicants and the number of sibling admissions. Families should verify their precise distance from the school gates, as proximity is the primary criterion for admission after looked-after children and siblings.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated through Greenwich's secondary admissions process. The school is girls-only for Years 7-11, with the sixth form co-educational. Entry to the sixth form is available to external candidates meeting the school's entry requirements, which typically require at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above.

Pastoral care is organised through form groups and a house system, providing multiple layers of support. Each student has a form tutor who knows them well and tracks their progress. The school employs dedicated staff to support student wellbeing, including counsellors and staff trained in mental health first aid.

The school's approach to behaviour is clear and consistent, with expectations communicated explicitly. Students speak positively about the support available when they face challenges. The school has invested in training staff to recognise and respond to mental health concerns, reflecting contemporary understanding of adolescent wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision is coordinated through a dedicated SENCO, with support available for students with identified needs. The school can accommodate a range of learning needs and works with external agencies to ensure appropriate support.

Oversubscription and distance. With nearly 3.6 applications per place, entry is highly competitive. The last distance offered of 1.791 miles means families need to live relatively close to the school. Families should verify their exact distance before relying on a place, as this varies annually. Use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check your precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Girls-only to Year 11. The school is single-sex for Years 7-11. Families seeking co-education throughout secondary should consider alternatives. The sixth form is co-educational, which changes the social dynamic in Years 12-13.

Curriculum breadth vs. specialisation. While the school offers a broad curriculum, it is not a specialist school in any particular domain. Families seeking highly specialised provision (such as music or sports colleges) may find other options more focused.

A well-established comprehensive school with over a century of history, strong local reputation, and solid academic results. Eltham Hill combines historical heritage with contemporary educational practice, serving Greenwich families effectively. The school's commitment to breadth (across academic subjects, creative arts, and personal development) reflects its comprehensive mission. Best suited to local families within the admissions distance who value a traditional academic curriculum, active co-curricular life, and community ethos. The main barrier to entry is the oversubscription; once secured, the school delivers a well-rounded secondary education.