Harris Academy Greenwich Review 2026: Academic Ambition in the Heart of Eltham

Harris Academy Greenwich serves the Eltham community as a co-educational secondary school and sixth form with a reputation for high expectations and significant academic progress. Since joining the Harris Federation in 2012, the academy has transformed from its predecessor into a flagship of the trust, securing an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in two consecutive inspections. In 2024, the school outcomes placed it in the top 25% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), a position that reflects a culture of rigorous scholarship and disciplined behaviour. The academy manages a capacity of 1,150 students across a modern campus on Middle Park Avenue, where the glass and steel architecture mirrors the forward-looking curriculum delivered within.

The atmosphere at Harris Academy Greenwich is one of purposeful energy. Students move between lessons with a sense of urgency; the school day is structured to maximise learning time. This is a school that operates with the precision of a high-performing professional environment, yet there is a palpable sense of pride among students in their identity as Harris Greenwich learners. The academy motto, Interea memento servare mentem equam (Meanwhile remember to keep a calm mind), serves as a grounding principle in an environment that otherwise demands high levels of intellectual effort.

Principal Jack Docherty, who has been part of the leadership team during the school journey from Special Measures to Outstanding, oversees a culture where academic success is celebrated as much as sporting or creative achievement. Executive Principal George McMillan provides strategic oversight across the federation. The leadership team is visible and active, maintaining a consistent presence in corridors and social spaces. This visibility ensures that the academy's strict behaviour policy is applied fairly and universally, creating a safe, predictable environment where students can focus entirely on their studies.

Harris Academy Greenwich consistently delivers results that exceed regional and England averages. In 2024, the academy achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 49.8, surpassing the England average for state schools. The Progress 8 score of +0.35 is particularly significant; it indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points at age 11 compared to students of similar ability across England.

The academy ranks 961st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it 6th among secondary schools in Greenwich. This performance sits comfortably within the top tier of schools in England.

At A-level, the academy continues this trend of solid performance. In 2024, 51.9% of students achieved A*-B grades, which is above the England average of 47.2%. The academy ranks 1229th in England for A-level outcomes, also placing it 6th locally in Greenwich. These results demonstrate the school's ability to support students through the transition to post-16 study, maintaining high standards across both vocational and academic pathways.

Teaching at the academy is characterised by expert subject knowledge and a structured approach to lesson delivery. The curriculum is traditional and academic, with a strong emphasis on the EBacc subjects (English, mathematics, sciences, history, geography, and languages). In 2024, 37.6% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in the EBacc, reflecting the school's commitment to providing a rigorous foundation for higher education.

Mathematics and science are particular areas of strength, supported by well-equipped laboratories and a dedicated specialist teaching team. The academy uses data intelligently to track student progress, providing targeted interventions for those who are falling behind or who need additional challenge. In the sixth form, the curriculum expands to include a wider range of A-level subjects and high-quality vocational qualifications, ensuring that students can tailor their studies to their future career goals.

Where Students Go Next

For the 2023/24 cohort, leaver destinations show a clear pipeline to higher education. Three-quarters (75%) of students progressed to university, a figure that highlights the academy's success in fostering university aspirations. A further 5% secured apprenticeships, while 10% entered employment.

While the majority of students head to a variety of higher education institutions, the academy has a successful Oxbridge pathway. In the most recent measurement period, two students applied to Cambridge, with one student successfully securing an offer and acceptance. Students frequently secure places at Russell Group universities, with popular destinations including King's College London, Queen Mary University of London, and the University of Warwick.

Securing a place at Harris Academy Greenwich is a significant challenge due to its oversubscribed status. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 1,248 applications for just 175 places in Year 7, resulting in a subscription proportion of 7.13 applications per place. This level of demand makes it one of the most sought-after schools in the London Borough of Greenwich.

Admissions are coordinated by the Greenwich Local Authority. After the allocation of places to looked-after children and those with an EHCP naming the school, proximity is the deciding factor. In 2024, the last distance offered was 1.86 miles. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to this figure. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Harris Academy Greenwich does not charge tuition fees. There are no costs for the standard curriculum or examinations. Families should budget for the cost of the school uniform, which is mandatory and must be purchased from designated suppliers. The academy receives Pupil Premium funding to support students from lower-income backgrounds; this often covers the cost of school trips, music lessons, and essential equipment for eligible students.

Pastoral care is integrated into the daily life of the academy through a robust house system. Every student belongs to a house, which provides a smaller, more personal community within the larger school. The house system encourages healthy competition through sports, debating, and attendance challenges, but it also provides a primary layer of emotional support.

The academy employs a dedicated team of pastoral leads who work alongside form tutors to monitor student wellbeing. Safeguarding procedures are rigorous; the latest inspection findings confirm that students feel safe and well-supported. For students requiring additional assistance, the academy provides access to counselling services and works closely with external agencies to ensure that individual needs are met.

Extracurricular life at Harris Greenwich is designed to build character and broaden horizons. The academy offers a wide range of clubs and societies that run before and after the school day.

STEM Excellence

As a major pillar of the school's enrichment, STEM activities are highly developed. The academy hosts a popular Robotics Club and participates in the Formula 24 Greenpower racing challenge, where students design and build electric cars. There are also regular coding workshops and opportunities to participate in national mathematics and science Olympiads.

Sport and Creative Arts

Sport is a significant part of the academy's identity, with teams competing at both local and regional levels in football, basketball, and athletics. The academy's modern sports hall and outdoor multi-use games area provide excellent facilities for these activities. In the creative arts, the academy hosts an annual musical production and provides specialist tuition in music and drama, with students frequently performing at community events in Eltham.

The school day begins at 8:25am and concludes at 3:10pm for most year groups, though sixth form students may have varying timetables. The academy is well-served by local transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby and Falconwood station within walking distance. While there is no on-site parking for parents, the surrounding residential streets allow for drop-off, though these can become congested during peak times. The academy's modern facilities are fully accessible, featuring lifts and wide corridors to accommodate students with physical disabilities.

• Intense Competition for Places: With over seven applications for every place, Harris Academy Greenwich is exceptionally oversubscribed. The last distance offered of 1.86 miles provides a baseline, but families must remember that distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• High-Pressure Environment: The school's focus on academic rigor and disciplined behaviour suits students who are self-motivated and thrive under high expectations. Those who prefer a more relaxed or informal atmosphere may find the academy's pace and strict adherence to policy challenging.
• Federation Influence: As part of the Harris Federation, the school follows trust-wide policies on behaviour and curriculum. While this ensures high standards, it means the academy operates within a broader corporate framework that may feel less independent than a standalone community school.

Harris Academy Greenwich is a powerhouse of social mobility, delivering private-school style academic outcomes within the state sector. Its transformation under the Harris Federation has made it a first-choice school for families across Greenwich and Eltham. Best suited to academically ambitious students who thrive in a structured, disciplined environment and are aiming for top-tier university destinations. The primary hurdle remains securing a place in what is one of the borough's most oversubscribed institutions. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist and track admissions updates.