Plumstead Manor School is a comprehensive state secondary school for 11–19-year-olds located next to Plumstead Common in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London. Originally founded as Plumstead County School for Girls in 1913, the school has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, transitioning from a single-sex to a co-educational institution. The first mixed Year 7 cohort was admitted in September 2018, and the school became fully co-educational by 2022. With a capacity of 1,500 students, including approximately 300 in the sixth form, Plumstead Manor serves a diverse community where over half of students have English as an additional language. The school has been awarded the Prince's Teaching Institute Leadership Mark in recognition of its commitment to subject knowledge and teaching excellence.
The most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2023 rated the school as Requires Improvement overall, a decline from its previous Good rating in 2018. However, the sixth form provision retained a Good rating, demonstrating strength at post-16 level. The school operates under the leadership of headteacher Douglas Greig, supported by a substantial senior leadership team.
Plumstead Manor School's mission centres on helping every student go beyond what they imagined during their seven-year journey, enabling them to improve the world. The school's ethos is rooted in five core habits that underpin both learning and the rewards system. Students are expected to demonstrate effort, proper behaviour, and meaningful contributions to the school and wider community. These habits define what the school calls "a Plumstead Manor education."
The school promises high-quality instruction, a comprehensive and balanced curriculum, and access to a variety of academic and vocational pathways, tailored to support and challenge students according to their needs. The institution describes itself as completely inclusive, believing that everyone will succeed and thrive when given quality teaching in a secure and joyful setting.
The school's history is notable for its longevity and evolution. For 105 years it operated as a girls' school, beginning as Plumstead County School for Girls and later becoming Kings Warren Grammar School before transitioning to a comprehensive in 1967. The decision to become co-educational in 2018 was made in response to local demand, marking a new chapter for an institution that has served the Plumstead community for over a century. The school was enlarged in the 1970s, and new buildings were added in 2013 to support the growing roll.
The student body reflects the diverse nature of Greenwich, with a significant proportion identified as having special educational needs and over half speaking English as an additional language. The school maintains a dedicated EAL department and offers an on-site resourced provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, with five places available per year group.
Plumstead Manor School's academic performance sits below national averages at GCSE level, with recent results placing the school in the lower quartile nationally. The average Attainment 8 score of 36.2 is well below the national figure, and just 4.4% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate subjects, compared to the national average of around 41%. The average Progress 8 score of -0.65 indicates that students make less progress than expected based on their prior attainment. The school ranks 3,476th in England for GCSE performance and 18th locally in Greenwich.
At A Level, the sixth form achieves more modest outcomes. Just 3.7% of grades awarded were A*, 5.3% were A, and 18% were B, with 27% of grades at A*-B overall. This is below the national average of approximately 47% at A*-B. The sixth form ranks 2,196th in England for A Level performance and 10th in Greenwich. However, the Ofsted inspection rated sixth form provision as Good, noting effective support and guidance for students.
The school offers GCSEs, BTECs, and vocational courses at Key Stage 4, with students able to choose from a range of A Levels and further BTECs at sixth form. A Stretch and Challenge programme is available for advanced learners. The curriculum spans sciences, mathematics, English and media, humanities, modern languages, business studies, ICT and computing, and visual and performing arts.
Support systems include dedicated pastoral care, careers guidance, and e-safety programmes. The school operates a specialist SEN provision and maintains a clear Local Offer document. Attendance monitoring routines are in place, though the June 2023 Ofsted report noted that persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils remains too high. The school has an on-site library with digital access to Sora ebooks and a student portal via BROMCOM for parents and pupils to track progress.
The June 2023 Ofsted inspection identified several areas requiring improvement. In Years 7 to 9, behaviour and attitudes were found to be inconsistent, with pupils not routinely working hard or paying attention during lessons. Staff expectations were described as too low, and many pupils shared that they did not enjoy their experience at school. Leaders have put in place effective support for pupils who need extra help managing behaviour, and the number of suspensions is reducing. By contrast, behaviour and engagement in the sixth form were described as much stronger.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
26.94%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Plumstead Manor School offers a range of extracurricular clubs, though specific details are not extensively promoted online. The school participates in the Jack Petchey Foundation programme, which recognises and rewards young people for their achievements. Facilities include on-site catering, a library, sports and PE spaces, and areas dedicated to dance, drama, and music.
A purpose-built sixth form centre provides a dedicated environment for post-16 students, combining academic excellence with personalised guidance and support. Recent improvements include the transformation of an underutilised playground area into an all-weather space for breaks and lunchtimes, complete with a snack shack unit. The school's facilities are also available for hire.
The school's location next to Plumstead Common offers students access to green space in an otherwise urban setting. Plumstead itself is a diverse, well-connected area in southeast London, served by Plumstead railway station on the southeastern network.
Plumstead Manor School draws pupils from a wide range of primary schools across Greenwich and neighbouring areas. The top feeder is Plumcroft Primary School, which accounts for approximately 7% of the intake. Conway Primary School and Mulgrave Primary School each contribute around 5%, as do Gallions Mount Primary School. Cardwell Primary School and Heronsgate Primary School each send about 4% of the cohort.
The school's broad feeder network reflects its role as an accessible local option for families across a relatively wide catchment area in Greenwich.
Plumstead Manor School has a limited but notable record of students progressing to the most selective universities. Over recent years, 8 students applied to Oxbridge, with 1 offer made and 1 student accepting a place at Cambridge. No students received offers from Oxford during this period. The school ranks 1,130th nationally for combined Oxbridge acceptances.
While Oxbridge destinations are rare, the school supports students in applying to a broader range of universities, including other Russell Group institutions. The sixth form's dedicated guidance and progression team works with students to identify suitable post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships and vocational routes.
Plumstead Manor School is a non-selective community school administered by Greenwich London Borough Council. Admissions are coordinated by the local authority, and parents apply through the standard Greenwich secondary admissions process. Applications for Year 7 entry typically open in the autumn of Year 6, with the national deadline in late October and offers made on National Offer Day in March.
The school was oversubscribed at the primary entry point (Year 7) based on recent admissions data. A total of 438 applications were received for 218 offers, resulting in a subscription ratio of approximately 2:1. The furthest distance offered was 2.25 miles, indicating a relatively wide catchment area by London standards. All first-preference applicants who were offered places received them, suggesting the school successfully accommodates local demand where possible.
Oversubscription criteria typically prioritise looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social need, siblings, and then proximity to the school, measured in a straight line. The school also operates an on-site resourced provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, with five places per year group allocated via the local authority admissions panel.
Families interested in the sixth form can apply directly to the school. Year 12 entry for September 2026 is open via the school's online portal. Entry requirements vary by course, with A Level subjects generally requiring a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including relevant subjects.
Applications
438
Total received
Places Offered
218
Subscription Rate
2.0x
Apps per place
Plumstead Manor School is a long-established institution in transition. Its shift to co-education, coupled with significant recent changes to the student body, has brought challenges that are reflected in the most recent Ofsted rating and below-average academic results. The June 2023 inspection identified widespread issues with behaviour, engagement, and expectations in the lower school, alongside concerns about persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils. For families seeking a school with strong GCSE outcomes and consistent behaviour across all year groups, Plumstead Manor currently falls short of expectations.
However, the picture is not uniformly negative. The sixth form provision has retained its Good Ofsted rating, and the school recently celebrated its best-ever post-16 exam results. The dedicated sixth form centre, personalised support, and range of academic and vocational pathways make it a viable option for students looking to continue their education locally. The school's inclusive ethos, specialist SEN provision, and strong EAL support make it an accessible choice for families with children who have additional needs or who are new to English.
Plumstead Manor School's historical significance, diverse community, and recent investment in facilities suggest potential for improvement. Leadership is aware of the challenges and has implemented support systems to address behaviour and attendance. Families considering the school should weigh the current Ofsted rating and academic performance against the inclusive environment, specialist support, and sixth form strengths. Visiting the school and speaking with current families will provide the clearest sense of whether it aligns with your child's needs and your expectations.
Plumstead Manor School was rated Requires Improvement overall by Ofsted in June 2023, down from Good in 2018. The sixth form provision, however, retained its Good rating. Academic results are below national averages at GCSE, with an average Attainment 8 score of 36.2 and a Progress 8 score of -0.65. The school is working to address issues with behaviour and engagement in Years 7 to 9. The sixth form offers stronger outcomes and support.
Applications for Year 7 entry are made through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's coordinated admissions process. The application window typically opens in September of Year 6, with a deadline in late October. Offers are made on National Offer Day in March. For sixth form entry, applications are submitted directly to the school via its online portal. Requirements and deadlines are published on the school's website.
Plumstead Manor School does not have a defined catchment area. Admissions are determined by Greenwich's oversubscription criteria, which prioritise looked-after children, exceptional medical or social need, siblings, and proximity measured in a straight line. In recent years, the furthest distance offered was 2.25 miles. The school draws pupils from across Plumstead, Woolwich, Abbey Wood, and surrounding areas.
Yes, Plumstead Manor School has a sixth form with approximately 300 students. The sixth form offers a range of A Levels and BTEC qualifications in a purpose-built centre. Entry requirements vary by course, with A Level subjects typically requiring five GCSEs at grade 5 or above. The sixth form provision was rated Good by Ofsted in June 2023.
The main feeder schools include Plumcroft Primary School (7% of intake), Conway Primary School (5%), Mulgrave Primary School (5%), Gallions Mount Primary School (5%), Cardwell Primary School (4%), and Heronsgate Primary School (4%). The school draws from a wide range of primary schools across Greenwich.
Plumstead Manor School operates an on-site resourced provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, offering five places per year group allocated via the local authority admissions panel. The school has dedicated SEN support staff and publishes a Local Offer document outlining provision. Over half of students have English as an additional language, and a dedicated EAL department provides tailored support.
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