Harris Academy Rainham Review 2026: High Progress and Community Ambition

Harris Academy Rainham stands as a significant success story within the Havering secondary landscape. Since joining the Harris Federation in 2016, the school has undergone a radical transformation, moving away from its predecessor's challenges to become a site of high academic progress. Serving a diverse community in Rainham, the academy caters to approximately 900 students aged 11 to 16. Its 2024 performance metrics place it among the most effective schools in the local area for adding value to student outcomes. With a Progress 8 score of +0.56, students here achieve over half a grade better across their subjects than peers with similar starting points in England.

The academy presents an atmosphere of calm, purposeful energy that is a hallmark of the Harris Federation’s approach to school improvement. The physical environment is well maintained, with clear signage and displays that celebrate student achievement and the school's core values. There is a palpable sense of order; transitions between lessons are handled with precision, and students are expected to be ready to learn the moment they enter the classroom.

Mr Gareth Stananought has led the school as Principal since September 2018, providing a steady hand and a clear vision for academic excellence. Under his leadership, the school has moved from a period of rapid stabilisation to one of sustained growth. The ethos is built on the belief that every student can succeed regardless of their background, a message that is reinforced through daily assemblies and tutor time. The academy does not feel like a cold institution; instead, there is a strong sense of community pride, particularly among local families who have seen the school's reputation rise significantly over the last decade.

The academic outcomes at Harris Academy Rainham tell a compelling story of consistent improvement. Ranked 1,262nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and 9th among secondary schools in Havering, the school sits within the top tier of local provision.

The headline metric is the Progress 8 score of +0.56. In the context of England averages, this is officially described as well above average. It indicates that the academy’s teaching and support systems effectively bridge the gap for students of all abilities. The Attainment 8 score of 52.7 also exceeds the England average, showing that students are hitting high raw grades as well as making strong progress.

While 17.4% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), the school's focus remains on ensuring a broad range of success across both vocational and academic pathways. The average EBacc APS score of 4.79 is higher than the England average of 4.08, reflecting solid performance in the core subjects of English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.

Teaching at the academy is characterised by high expectations and a structured pedagogical approach. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, following the National Curriculum but enhanced by the Harris Federation’s wider resources and subject specialist networks. In mathematics and science, there is a clear focus on mastery and the retrieval of key concepts, which helps students build confidence ahead of their terminal examinations.

The latest inspection findings from late 2024 confirm that standards have been maintained and that the school has improved considerably. Inspectors noted that pupils achieve well in a wide range of subjects and are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Staff have high expectations of all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), fostering a sense of belonging and pride. While there is some variation in how systematically student understanding is checked during lessons, the overall quality of instruction remains robust.

Pastoral care is organized through a robust house system that fosters a sense of belonging across different year groups. Each student has a form tutor who acts as the primary point of contact for families, ensuring that any barriers to learning are identified and addressed early.

The academy employs a dedicated inclusion team and has access to federation-wide specialists for mental health and wellbeing support. Behaviour is managed through a clear, transparent system of rewards and sanctions. The school’s approach is based on mutual respect; students are taught to take responsibility for their actions and to contribute positively to the school culture. Attendance is monitored rigorously, reflecting the school’s belief that being present is the first step toward achievement.

Extracurricular life at Harris Academy Rainham provides a vital outlet for talent and energy. The academy makes excellent use of its sporting facilities, which include a large sports hall and extensive playing fields. The Rainham Football Academy is a particular highlight, offering an elite pathway for talented players alongside their academic studies.

The creative arts are also well represented. The Music Department features dedicated practice rooms and a recording suite, supporting the Academy Choir and various instrumental ensembles. Students also participate in the Harris Federation’s annual "Harris Experience" programme, which provides high achieving students with access to cultural events, university visits, and expert lectures to broaden their horizons beyond East London. Other popular clubs include the Coding Club and the Debating Society, the latter of which competes in regional competitions.

As a state funded academy, admissions are coordinated by the Havering Local Authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity within the local community. For the most recent intake, there were 320 applications for 180 places, with a subscription proportion of 1.84.

In 2024, the last distance offered was 1.854 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to this benchmark. After looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, distance from the home to the academy is the primary factor in allocation.

Where Students Go Next

As the academy does not have its own sixth form, the transition at age 16 is a critical focus. The school has established strong links with local post-16 providers, including Havering Sixth Form College and Harris Sixth Form centres in nearby boroughs.

The academy provides comprehensive careers advice and guidance from Year 7 onwards. Students are encouraged to look toward ambitious destinations, with many progressing to A-level programmes at selective colleges or high quality apprenticeships. The school's strong Progress 8 scores mean that the majority of leavers depart with the grades necessary to access their first choice of further education.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. As part of the Harris Federation, the school is funded directly by the Department for Education. Families are not required to pay for the core curriculum or standard educational provision.

There may be occasional costs associated with optional enrichment activities, such as residential trips, specialist music tuition, or high level sporting equipment. However, the academy provides support for families in receipt of Pupil Premium to ensure that no child is excluded from these opportunities due to financial constraints.

The school day begins at 8:30am and concludes at 3:00pm for most students, though Year 11 often remain for additional intervention sessions until 4:00pm. The academy is well served by local transport, located within walking distance of Rainham station (C2C) and multiple bus routes connecting to Hornchurch and Upminster. For families needing to coordinate travel, the FindMySchool Local Hub provides a useful comparison of transport times across the borough.

• Competition for places: With nearly two applications for every available seat, securing a place is not guaranteed even for those living relatively close. The last distance offered of 1.854 miles in 2024 provides a guideline, but this changes year to year. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• No on-site Sixth Form: Students must be prepared to move to a new institution at age 16. While the academy provides transition support, some families may prefer an all-through 11 to 18 environment.
• Structured environment: The Harris Federation approach is famously rigorous. The high expectations for uniform, punctuality, and behaviour suit students who thrive in a structured, disciplined setting, but may feel intense for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Harris Academy Rainham is a school that has successfully raised the bar for what is expected of students in this part of Havering. Its standout feature is the exceptional progress students make, effectively outperforming many local alternatives. It is a school that balances academic ambition with a genuine commitment to its community. Best suited to local families who want a disciplined, high achieving environment where their child will be pushed to reach their full potential. The primary challenge remains the competitive admissions process.