Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls serves as a purposeful, modern addition to the educational landscape of Thamesmead, having opened its doors in September 2019. Part of the PolyMAT multi-academy trust, it shares a common heritage with its long-established brother school, yet it has rapidly carved out a distinct identity focused on empowering young women. The school operates from a sleek, purpose-built campus that provides a calm and orderly environment for its 1,183 students.
In 2024, the school's GCSE results solidified its standing as a competitive choice within Greenwich, ranking 9th locally. With an Attainment 8 score of 52.6 and a Progress 8 score of 0.4, the school ensures that students achieve well above the England average from their respective starting points. Ms Lizaan Williams, the Headteacher, has led the school since its inception, steering it through its first full cohort cycle with a clear emphasis on high expectations and a structured approach to learning.
The atmosphere at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls is one of focused industry. The modern architecture, characterized by glass-fronted facades and wide, bright corridors, fosters a sense of space and professionalism. There is a palpable culture of respect; students move between lessons with a quiet confidence that reflects the school's clear behavioral boundaries.
The school's motto, Success for Everyone, is integrated into daily life through a rewards system that celebrates academic achievement, personal growth, and community contribution. As a member of PolyMAT, the school benefits from shared resources and a collaborative leadership model with the nearby boys' school and Bannockburn Primary. Despite its capacity, it maintains a nurturing feel through a strong pastoral system where staff are highly visible and students are known as individuals.
Performance data from 2024 tells a story of a school that is already outperforming many of its established peers. Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls ranks 1,360th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band).
The Progress 8 score of 0.4 is a significant indicator of quality, showing that students make nearly half a grade more progress across their subjects than pupils of similar ability elsewhere. The average Attainment 8 score of 52.6 comfortably exceeds the England average for state-funded schools (45.9). Locally, the school ranks 9th in Greenwich, making it a strong contender in a borough with several high-performing options.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is designed to be academically rigorous while remaining accessible. There is a strong emphasis on the EBacc suite of subjects, with the school achieving an average EBacc point score of 4.55, which is above the England average of 4.08. Teaching follows a highly structured model, ensuring that students are clear on their learning objectives from the moment they enter the classroom.
Staff utilize evidence-based teaching strategies, such as regular retrieval practice and scaffolded tasks, to ensure that students retain knowledge effectively. Science and Mathematics are particular areas of strength; Chemistry (avg. grade 8) and Physics (avg. grade 7) show high attainment. The school also offers a range of creative options, including Photography and Drama, to ensure a balanced educational experience.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Extracurricular life is vibrant and designed to build leadership skills. The school offers a variety of clubs that reflect the interests of modern young women, including the Debate Club and the Coding Society.
Sporting facilities are excellent, supporting a range of activities from netball and football to competitive sports clubs. The school also encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which is used to foster resilience and teamwork. The "Poly Girls" identity is further strengthened through annual events, including performing arts showcases and STEM challenges, which provide platforms for students to display their talents outside of traditional examination settings.
STEM is a central pillar of the school's identity. The school actively works to break down gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students have access to dedicated tech suites and modern labs. The curriculum often links with industry partners through PolyMAT, providing students with insights into technical careers and apprenticeships.
Pastoral care is a significant strength, anchored by a dedicated team of Year Leaders and Pastoral Leads. The school utilizes the PolyMAT approach to student wellbeing, ensuring that safeguarding is robust and that students have access to mental health support when needed.
The latest Ofsted inspection from January 2023, which rated the school Good in all areas, noted that pupils know staff care about them and will help them. Behaviour is managed through a clear, consistent framework that prioritizes "positive choice-making." This creates a safe environment where students feel empowered to voice their opinions. Regular assemblies and tutor periods are used to discuss topics ranging from digital safety to career aspirations.
Securing a place at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls has become increasingly competitive. For the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, with 308 applications for 172 places, a subscription proportion of 1.79.
In 2024, the last distance offered was 6.024 miles. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap 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. Applications are coordinated by the Greenwich Local Authority, and families are encouraged to attend open evenings in the autumn term to experience the culture first-hand.
While the school serves ages 11 to 16, it has strong progression routes into the co-educational Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form. In the 2023/24 cycle, the school celebrated its first full school cohort completing Year 11. Careers guidance begins in Year 7, and students value the advice they receive about their next steps. Destination data for 2024 indicates a high percentage of students continuing into academic A-level pathways or vocational apprenticeships through PolyMAT partners.
As a state-funded academy, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls does not charge tuition fees. It is funded directly by the Department for Education. Families should budget for standard costs such as the school uniform, which features the PolyMAT branding, and occasional curriculum-based trips. Support is available for families eligible for Pupil Premium, including assistance with uniform costs and trip subsidies.
Applications
308
Total received
Places Offered
172
Subscription Rate
1.8x
Apps per place
The school day typically begins at 8:30am and concludes at 3:10pm, with after-school clubs extending the day. The campus is well-served by local bus routes through Thamesmead, including the Superloop SL11 route. Detailed information regarding uniform and equipment requirements is available through the school's parent portal.
Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls is a high-achieving, modern institution that has established itself as a premier choice in South East London. It combines the heritage of the "Poly" name with a forward-thinking approach to girls' education. Best suited to ambitious students who thrive in a structured, academically rigorous environment. The main challenge for families is securing entry due to its significant oversubscription.
Yes, it is highly regarded. In 2024, it achieved a Progress 8 score of 0.4, which is well above the England average. It is currently rated Good by Ofsted and ranks 9th among secondary schools in Greenwich for GCSE performance.
Applications must be made through the Greenwich Local Authority common application form (CAF). The school is oversubscribed, so it is vital to name it as a preference and submit the application by the October deadline for Year 7 entry.
The school serves students aged 11 to 16. However, students have priority progression into the co-educational Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form, located nearby.
In the 2024 GCSE cohort, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 52.6. This places the school in the top tier locally, outperforming the England average for state-funded schools (45.9).
The school does not have a fixed catchment area but allocates places based on distance once priority groups (such as siblings) are processed. In 2024, the last distance offered was 6.024 miles.
Get in touch with the school directly
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