Drapers' Academy Review 2026: Historic Backing, Modern Ambition

History and modernity collide at Drapers' Academy in Harold Hill. While the school occupies a striking £24 million campus opened in 2012, its roots tap into six centuries of tradition through its lead sponsor, The Drapers' Company, one of London's historic Great Twelve Livery Companies. Co-sponsored by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), the academy offers students in Havering a level of institutional backing rarely seen in the state sector.

Serving a diverse community on the edge of Greater London, the school caters for students aged 11 to 18. The connection to QMUL is not merely a branding exercise; it shapes the aspirations of the sixth form and provides academic enrichment that distinguishes the school from local competitors. With a student body of over 1,000, the atmosphere is busy but structured, grounded in values that blend traditional discipline with contemporary opportunity.

The first impression upon approaching the Settle Road site is one of scale and investment. The main building, with its white render and glass façade, feels more like a university faculty than a typical secondary school. Inside, the design maximises light and visibility, which supports the school's focus on calm, purposeful movement.

Ms Gillian Dineen serves as Principal, leading with a focus on high standards and "active citizenship". Her leadership emphasises the school's three core values: Respectful, Purposeful, and Kind. The ethos is visibly influenced by the Drapers' Company connection. You will see formal occasions marked with a sense of ceremony that echoes the City of London, yet the daily reality is firmly rooted in the Harold Hill community.

The House system is central to the student experience, fostering a sense of belonging within the larger cohort. Competitions run throughout the year, ranging from sport to debating, ensuring that students interact across year groups. The school motto, "Opportunity for All", is operationalised through a curriculum that refuses to narrow options too early.

Students wear a distinctive uniform that includes a blazer with the Drapers' crest. Staff hold high expectations for presentation, and behaviour is generally managed through clear, consistent routines. The environment feels safe and orderly, a testament to the strong pastoral structures in place.

Drapers' Academy delivers solid academic outcomes that sit within the typical range for schools in England, with pockets of significant strength in applied subjects.

In 2024, the school's GCSE performance ranked 2,265th in England, placing it in the national typical band (middle 35%). Locally, it ranks 17th among secondary providers in Havering. The Average Attainment 8 score of 41.7 reflects a broad intake, while the proportion of students achieving strong passes (Grade 5 or above) in English and Maths indicates that core skills are secured for a significant cohort.

The school's Sixth Form performance is developing. Ranked 1,905th in England for A-level outcomes in 2024, it sits in the national lower band. However, the top-end performance is notable: 37% of A-level grades were A*-B. This demonstrates that for the most able students, the pathway to high achievement remains open.

The link with Queen Mary University of London is particularly evident in the sciences and mathematics, where students often benefit from outreach programmes that support higher-level study.

The curriculum is designed to be "knowledge-rich", ensuring students build a deep reservoir of facts and concepts before moving to complex application. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), the breadth is impressive. Students study the full range of National Curriculum subjects, including distinct sciences, history, geography, and modern foreign languages.

Teaching quality is monitored closely. In the most recent Ofsted inspection (March 2025), the school was rated Good in all areas. Inspectors noted that teachers have secure subject knowledge and plan lessons that build effectively on prior learning. The science facilities are a particular highlight; the purpose-built labs allow for practical work that goes beyond standard textbook demonstrations.

Literacy is a school-wide priority. "Drop Everything and Read" sessions and a well-stocked library, often supported by Drapers' Company grants, ensure that reading remains central to the school day. For students requiring additional support, the SEN department provides tailored interventions, though parents of children with complex needs should engage early to understand the specific provision available.

The trajectory for leavers at Drapers' Academy is diverse, reflecting the school's commitment to both academic and vocational pathways. In 2024, 56% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university. The academic ceiling is high; the 2024 cohort saw one student secure a place at Oxbridge (Cambridge), and one offer was received.

Apprenticeships are a significant strength here, with 12% of leavers securing these competitive roles. This is notably higher than the national average and reflects the school's strong careers advice and links with City employers through the Drapers' network. Employment rates are also healthy at 18%, suggesting students leave with work-ready skills.

For those aiming for university, the connection with QMUL provides a tangible advantage. Students receive guidance on personal statements and interview technique that is informed by direct contact with university admissions staff.

Admission to Drapers' Academy is coordinated by the London Borough of Havering. The school is a popular choice for local families and is currently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 301 applications for 198 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.5 applications per place.

The oversubscription criteria follow a standard hierarchy: looked-after children, siblings of current students, and then straight-line distance from the school. There is no entrance exam or aptitude test; this is a comprehensive school serving its local area.

Applications must be submitted via the Havering eAdmissions portal by 31 October for entry the following September. National Offer Day is 1 March. Families living close to the school (typically within 1-1.5 miles, though this varies annually) have the highest chance of securing a place under the distance criterion.

Pastoral care is organised through a vertical House system, which provides a "family within a school" feel. Each student is assigned a Tutor and a Head of House who monitors their academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

The school employs non-teaching pastoral managers who are available throughout the day to deal with immediate concerns, ensuring that teachers can focus on teaching. This structure means that minor issues are often resolved before they escalate.

Safeguarding is robust. The school works closely with external agencies in Havering to support vulnerable students. Mental health support includes access to school counsellors and external mentoring services.

The extracurricular offer at Drapers' Academy is a clear differentiator, heavily subsidised and supported by its sponsors. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a flagship programme. It is one of the most active contingents in the state sector, offering students opportunities for leadership, fieldcraft, and residential camps that build resilience and confidence.

Music and drama are well-resourced. The school benefits from a dedicated theatre space and practice rooms. Annual productions are major events in the school calendar, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles.

Sport makes use of the extensive grounds. Facilities include a large sports hall, dance studio, and floodlit all-weather pitches. Teams compete regularly in borough and county competitions in football, netball, and athletics.

The "Drapers' Den" competition, modelled on Dragons' Den, is a unique feature where students pitch business ideas to members of the Drapers' Company. This provides real-world business exposure that is rare in state education.

The school day runs from 8:35am to 3:05pm. Breakfast club is available from 8:00am in the canteen, offering a safe and social start to the day.

Transport links are good. The 174 and 496 buses stop directly outside the school on Settle Road. Harold Wood is the nearest Elizabeth Line station, connected by a short bus ride.

There are no tuition fees. However, families should budget for the uniform, including the blazer and sports kit, and for optional trips which are a key part of the enrichment offer.

Mixed ability cohort. As a comprehensive school, classes contain a wide range of abilities. While setting is used in core subjects, parents of highly able children should inquire about the "stretch and challenge" provision in foundation subjects to ensure their child is pushed sufficiently.

Strict uniform policy. The school prides itself on high standards of presentation. The policy is enforced rigorously. Families and students must be fully committed to wearing the uniform correctly, including the blazer, every day.

Size of the school. With over 1,000 students, the environment can feel busy. While the House system breaks this down, quieter students may initially find the scale of the main building and the movement between lessons overwhelming compared to primary school.

Drapers' Academy offers a compelling package: a modern learning environment, prestigious institutional backing, and a genuine commitment to opportunity. It acts as a bridge between the local community and the wider opportunities of the City and higher education. Best suited to students who will thrive in a structured, busy environment and take full advantage of the unique extracurricular opportunities, particularly the CCF and university links. The main challenge is securing a place in an increasingly popular school.