Located just off the Fulham Palace Road, Fulham Cross Academy positions itself as a forward-thinking, STEM-specialist school. Having transitioned from a boys' school to a co-educational academy in 2020, it now serves the wider community with a distinct focus on employability and technical skills alongside traditional academics. The modern campus, shared in part with the trust's sixth form, feels purposeful; students here are encouraged to see themselves as the "designers, engineers and problem solvers of the future".
Ms Sally Brooks leads the school as Executive Principal, overseeing a culture that aims to bridge the gap between education and industry. The atmosphere is driven by the school's specialist status; this does not feel like a standard comprehensive but rather a place with a specific mission. The "Achieve, Believe, Create" ethos is visible in the corridors, where displays often feature engineering projects rather than just standard artwork.
The transition to co-education has shifted the dynamic, creating a more balanced environment. Uniform standards are high, with the school taking pride in a professional appearance that mirrors the workplace. The site itself blends older architecture with significant modern additions, including specialist science laboratories and technology workshops that support the STEM curriculum.
In 2024, the school's performance reflects its comprehensive intake and inclusive approach. The school ranks 2116th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 46% of schools nationally. This performance sits in the "national typical" band, indicating solid outcomes in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.
Locally, the school ranks 15th among secondary providers in Hammersmith and Fulham. The Progress 8 score of -0.14 suggests that students make broadly average progress from their starting points, though slightly below the national baseline.
As a designated STEM specialist, the curriculum devotes significant time to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This is not merely about extra lessons; it involves a different approach to learning. The school leverages partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders to bring real-world context to the classroom. For example, students might engage in coding challenges or engineering workshops that go beyond the standard GCSE syllabus.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
10.68%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching is structured and disciplined, with a clear focus on core knowledge. The STEM bias means that science and mathematics departments are particularly well-resourced. Lessons often incorporate practical elements, utilising the school's technology suites to allow students to apply theoretical concepts.
For students who favour a hands-on approach to learning, the curriculum is highly engaging. However, the school also maintains a broad offer, ensuring that humanities and arts are not sidelined, although the technical specialism remains the headline feature.
The sixth form operates as part of the wider trust provision, offering both A-levels and vocational Level 3 qualifications. Academic results in 2024 placed the sixth form 2527th in England (FindMySchool ranking). While this sits in the "national lower" band, there are notable individual successes.
The data reveals a pocket of high ambition: in the most recent cohort, two students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing and accepting a place at Cambridge. This demonstrates that for the most able students, the pathway to elite universities is open and supported.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
Destinations are diverse, reflecting the mixed academic and vocational curriculum. In 2024, 29% of leavers progressed to university. A significant proportion, 17%, moved directly into employment, a figure well above the national average that validates the school's focus on employability skills.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The school is popular, with the latest data showing it is oversubscribed; there were 280 applications for 133 places, a ratio of more than 2 applications per seat.
The school is a community comprehensive and does not select by ability. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings, and then those living nearest to the school. Distance is calculated in a straight line from the home address to the main school gate.
Applications
280
Total received
Places Offered
133
Subscription Rate
2.1x
Apps per place
The pastoral system is organised around year groups, with tutors providing the first point of contact. The school prides itself on being small enough to know every student, which helps in identifying issues early. Support for mental health is integrated into the school day, with access to counsellors and external agencies where needed.
Extracurricular life leans heavily into the specialism but offers breadth too.
A flagship activity where students work on long-term engineering and design projects.
Football and basketball are popular, making use of the on-site sports hall and nearby community facilities.
Encourages students to articulate their views, crucial for those aiming for university interviews.
The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Located on Kingwood Road, the school is easily accessible via public transport, with Barons Court and Hammersmith tube stations within walking distance. There is no on-site parking for parents.
Vocational focus. The STEM specialism is genuine. Families seeking a purely classical or arts-heavy education might find the technical flavour less aligned with their preferences.
Sixth form performance. While there are individual successes, overall A-level rankings are in the lower national band. Students aiming for highly competitive courses may need to be self-driven to excel.
Transition phase. As a school that has recently transitioned to co-education, the gender balance in older year groups may still be settling.
Fulham Cross Academy offers a distinct alternative to the standard local comprehensive. Its commitment to STEM and employability makes it a compelling choice for students who enjoy practical application and technology. Best suited to local families who value a modern, skills-focused education that keeps one eye firmly on the workplace of the future.
Fulham Cross Academy (formerly Fulham College Boys' School) was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023. The school provides a solid education with a specific strength in STEM subjects. GCSE results are in line with the national average (top 46% of schools in England).
No. The school is now co-educational and accepts both boys and girls aged 11 to 19. It transitioned from a boys' school to a mixed academy to better serve the local community.
The school does not have a fixed catchment area map. Places are allocated based on distance from the school gate. In 2024, the school was oversubscribed with over 2 applications for every place, meaning living close to the school is advantageous.
Yes. The school offers post-16 education offering both A-levels and vocational qualifications. In the most recent year, one student successfully secured a place at Cambridge University, demonstrating that high achievers are supported.
The school is a STEM specialist, meaning it has a particular focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. This is supported by specialist facilities and partnerships with industry to prepare students for technical careers.
Applications for Year 7 are handled by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. You must complete the Common Application Form (CAF) by the national deadline of 31 October for entry the following September.
Get in touch with the school directly
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