Atam Academy Review 2026: Academic Excellence Grounded in Sikh Values

Atam Academy occupies a contemporary, purpose-built site in Little Heath, designed to accommodate children from the nursery stage through to the end of their secondary education. As part of the Khalsa Academies Trust, the school is guided by the Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service) and Simran (meditation and remembrance), though it welcomes families of all faiths and none. The academy currently serves approximately 1,250 students across its phases, providing a seamless transition between primary and secondary schooling that many local families find invaluable.

The leadership team, headed by Principal Chris Steed, has focused on creating a culture where "the sky is the limit" for every pupil. The 2024 results confirm that this ambition is translating into tangible outcomes. In the primary phase, the school ranks 5th among all schools in Havering (FindMySchool ranking), while the secondary phase maintains a Progress 8 score of +0.52, indicating that students make significantly better progress here than their peers nationally.

The physical environment of Atam Academy is striking, featuring clean, modern architecture with expansive glass and bright internal spaces. Beyond the aesthetics, the atmosphere is defined by a sense of calm and mutual respect. The Sikh ethos is integrated not through rigid dogma, but through a shared commitment to values such as humility and hard work. The presence of the Gurdwara nearby and the inclusion of Punjabi language and Sikh studies in the curriculum provide a cultural anchor for the community.

Students appear genuinely proud of their school, often describing it as a close-knit environment where staff and older peers look out for younger children. This "all-through" model allows for a unique continuity; teachers in the secondary phase often already know the incoming Year 7 cohort from their time in the primary wing, reducing the transition dip often seen in other schools. The school's motto, Nishchay Kar Apni Jeet Karon (With determination, I will be victorious), is reflected in the high levels of focus observed in classrooms.

Following a brief period of challenge, the latest Ofsted inspection in June 2024 returned the school to a Good rating in all areas. The inspection confirmed that pupils at Atam Academy have positive, committed attitudes to their learning and behave well in classrooms.

The 2024 academic data paints a picture of a school performing at an elite level, particularly in its primary phase. For Key Stage 2, Atam Academy ranks 718th in England (FindMySchool ranking). This sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 5% of schools in England. Locally, it is the 5th highest-performing primary among all schools in Havering.

The statistics are compelling: 92% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that towers over the England average of 62%. Even more impressive is the depth of achievement, with 40% of pupils reaching the higher standard in these subjects, compared to the England average of just 8%.

In the secondary phase, the school sits above the England average, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England for GCSE outcomes. It ranks 1,110th in England and 7th in Havering (FindMySchool ranking). The Progress 8 score of +0.52 is a well above average metric, meaning students achieve approximately half a grade higher in every subject than they would have been expected to at a typical school. The Attainment 8 score of 52.7 also significantly exceeds the England average.

Teaching at Atam Academy is characterised by high energy and high expectations. In the primary years, there is a fierce focus on literacy and numeracy, evidenced by the exceptional Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS) scores where 68% of pupils achieved a high score. The curriculum is broad, however, with specialist teaching introduced early in subjects like Physical Education and Music.

In the secondary phase, the curriculum is designed to be academically demanding. There is a strong emphasis on the EBacc subjects (English, Mathematics, Sciences, History or Geography, and Languages). The academy makes excellent use of technology, with interactive resources integrated into daily lessons to enhance engagement. Teachers are noted for their subject expertise and their ability to stretch the most able students while providing targeted support for those who need it.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied, with a particular strength in STEM and performance. Students participate in a range of clubs including Robotics, Coding, and Public Speaking. Given the Sikh ethos, there is also a significant emphasis on music and the arts; many students learn traditional Indian instruments alongside more conventional Western offerings.

Sporting life is active, with the school utilising its modern sports hall and outdoor spaces for football, netball, and cricket. The concept of Seva is brought to life through various community service projects, where students take leadership roles in fundraising and local volunteering, fostering a sense of civic responsibility that extends beyond the school gates.

Securing a place at Atam Academy is increasingly difficult due to its rising reputation. For the primary phase, the school received 95 applications for 60 places in the most recent cycle, making it oversubscribed with a subscription proportion of 1.58. In 2024, the last distance offered was 3.322 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The secondary phase is even more competitive, with 118 applications for 49 available places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.41. Families should note that while many places are filled by pupils moving up from the academy's own primary phase, there is significant demand for the remaining spots from the wider community. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Wellbeing is anchored in the school’s Virtues programme, which encourages students to reflect on their character and conduct. The school operates a house system that facilitates healthy competition and peer-to-peer mentoring. Because the school is an all-through institution, the pastoral team has the advantage of long-term relationships with families, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of each student's needs.

Bullying is dealt with firmly, and the school places a high premium on mental health awareness. The latest Ofsted report confirmed that the school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour and that students understand the importance of the school's values.

Nursery Provision

Atam Academy includes an integrated nursery provision that serves as the first step for many children in their all-through journey. The nursery focuses on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with a particular emphasis on communication and language development.

Children in the nursery benefit from the wider academy's facilities, including the library and outdoor play areas. The environment is designed to be nurturing yet stimulating, helping children build the independence needed for a smooth transition into Reception. For nursery fee details, visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for more information.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded academy, and as such, there are no tuition fees. All education provided during normal school hours is free of charge. Families may be required to cover the costs of school uniforms, optional extracurricular trips, and individual music tuition.

Financial support is available for families eligible for Free School Meals, which provides additional funding to the school (the Pupil Premium) to support the student’s academic progress and access to enrichment activities. Families should contact the school office to discuss eligibility and how to apply for this support.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:15pm, though various after-school clubs extend this for many students. Wraparound care, including a breakfast club and after-school provision, is available for primary-aged pupils to support working parents.

Located on Little Heath, the school is accessible via several bus routes, though parking in the immediate vicinity is limited during peak drop-off times. Families are encouraged to use public transport or the park and stride schemes promoted by the academy.

• Intense demand for places: With a subscription proportion of over 2.4 in the secondary phase, many applicants are unfortunately disappointed each year. Families should have a clear Plan B when applying.
• Expansion and growth: As a relatively young school that has grown to capacity, the site can feel busy during transition times. The school manages this well, but it is a lively, high-density environment.
• Sikh Ethos: While the school is inclusive, the Sikh character is a central part of the daily routine. Families should be comfortable with the integration of these values and the Punjabi language within the school culture.

Atam Academy is an academic powerhouse that successfully proves that faith-based values and high-tech modern education can be a potent combination. It is particularly impressive in its primary outcomes, which are among the best in London. Best suited to families who value a disciplined, character-led environment and the continuity offered by an all-through education. Those looking for a school with a strong community feel and exceptional progress metrics will find it here, provided they can secure a place. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist.