Redden Court School Review 2026: An Outstanding Hub of Ambition in Harold Wood

In the residential heart of Harold Wood, where the suburban sprawl of Havering meets the green fringes of the M25, Redden Court School stands as a beacon of consistently high standards. Serving a mixed cohort of approximately 1,050 students, this secondary school has successfully navigated the transition from a local community school to a high-performing academy within the Success for All Educational Trust. Its 2024 GCSE results place it among the top 20% of schools in England, a position supported by a Progress 8 score that indicates students make significantly better progress here than their peers elsewhere.

The atmosphere is one of purposeful calm. Under the leadership of Headteacher Mr Anthony Henry, who has led the school since 2021 and was previously the Deputy Head, the school maintains a culture where high expectations are the norm rather than the exception. As an Outstanding rated school, it is a primary choice for families in the RM3 postcode, leading to significant oversubscription and a competitive admissions landscape.

The campus on Cotswold Road presents a blend of mid-century functionalism and modern investment. While the original buildings date back to the school's opening in the 1930s, recent developments have added specialist wings and upgraded technology suites. The physical environment is meticulously maintained, reflecting a broader institutional respect that students are expected to mirror in their conduct and appearance.

Students move between lessons with a focused energy that suggests they understand the value of their time. This is not a school that relies on gimmicks; instead, it fosters a traditional sense of scholarship updated for the 21st century. The school motto, Committed to Success for All, is visible not just on signage but in the inclusive way the diverse student body interacts.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection awarded the school an Outstanding rating, noting that pupils flourish and take their education seriously. This culture is bolstered by a stable staff body. Many teachers have spent significant portions of their careers here, providing a continuity that parents find reassuring in a rapidly changing educational sector.

The academic performance at Redden Court School is a significant draw for local families. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 51.1, which sits comfortably above the Havering and England averages. This metric reflects the average grade across eight key subjects, indicating a high level of achievement across a broad curriculum.

Ranked 893rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranking 5th among 23 secondary schools in Havering, the school sits above the England average, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England.

The Progress 8 score of +0.33 is particularly notable. In plain English, this means that on average, students at Redden Court achieve a third of a grade higher in every subject than students of similar ability in other schools in England. Furthermore, 38.5% of students achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), exceeding the England average and demonstrating a strong commitment to core academic subjects including languages and humanities.

The curriculum is designed to be both ambitious and accessible. In Year 7 and 8, students follow a broad range of subjects that build a foundation in the arts, sciences, and technology. Specialist teaching is a hallmark of the school; even in the lower years, students benefit from the expertise of staff who are passionate about their specific disciplines.

The school places a heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Reading is integrated into the daily routine, with a well-stocked library that serves as a quiet hub for independent study. In the classroom, teachers use clear, structured methods to break down complex concepts, ensuring that students of all abilities can engage with the material.

Technology is used thoughtfully rather than performatively. The "Redden Court Cloud" serves as a digital backbone for the school, allowing students to access resources, submit assignments, and track their progress from home. This system proved its worth by fostering a culture of independent study that has persisted even as traditional classroom teaching returned to the forefront.

Extracurricular life at Redden Court is varied and well-attended, designed to provide "The Edge" to students through personal development. The school is particularly well-regarded for its commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, with high completion rates at both Bronze and Silver levels.

STEM Excellence

STEM subjects are a pillar of the school's extracurricular offering. The Robotics Club is a perennial favourite, where students design and programme units for local competitions. The "Science Buskers" programme encourages older students to demonstrate experiments to their younger peers, fostering a sense of leadership and scientific curiosity.

Music and the arts are equally prominent. The school choir and various instrumental ensembles perform at local events and the annual Christmas concert, which is a highlight of the Harold Wood calendar. Sporting facilities include floodlit courts and extensive playing fields, supporting competitive teams in football, netball, and athletics. The "Redden Court Rugby" programme has gained a reputation for excellence, often competing successfully against larger schools in the Essex and London regions.

Securing a place at Redden Court is a significant challenge for families. Admissions are coordinated by Havering Local Authority, and the school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake period, there were over five applications for every available place, with 1,054 applications received for a typical intake of approximately 200 students.

The last distance offered was 0.808 miles in 2024. 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 the last distance offered.

Aside from looked-after children and those with specific EHCP requirements, the primary criteria for entry are sibling links followed by straight-line distance. The tight "catchment" means that living in the immediate vicinity of Harold Wood station or the surrounding residential streets is almost a prerequisite for entry without a sibling already in the school.

Where Students Go Next

As a 11-16 school, Redden Court does not have its own sixth form. However, the transition at the end of Year 11 is handled with clinical precision. The school maintains strong links with local post-16 providers, including Havering Sixth Form College and USP College.

A dedicated careers advisor works with students from Year 9 onwards to map out potential pathways. This includes guidance on A-levels, T-levels, and increasingly popular higher-level apprenticeships with firms in the City of London, easily accessible via the Elizabeth Line. The school reports that virtually 100% of its leavers move into sustained education, employment, or training, a testament to the effectiveness of its guidance programme.

The school operates a traditional Year Group system, with a Head of Year and a team of Form Tutors providing the first line of support. This is supplemented by a dedicated pastoral team that includes non-teaching staff, allowing for immediate intervention when a student faces emotional or social challenges.

The "Redden Court Way" is a set of expectations that governs behaviour, emphasizing respect, resilience, and responsibility. Bullying is handled through a proactive "Anti-Bullying" strategy that includes peer mentors and regular assemblies. The 2022 inspection confirmed that students feel safe and well-supported, noting that they know who to turn to if they have concerns.

For students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the "Success for All" centre provides a tailored environment where specialized staff offer literacy support, social skills groups, and a quiet space during busy break times. The school is highly inclusive, ensuring that students with additional needs are fully integrated into the life of the school.

Fees & Financial Aid

Redden Court School is a state-funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees for students. As part of the Success for All Educational Trust, the school receives its funding directly from the government. Families are responsible for costs related to school uniform, elective trips, and some extracurricular materials.

For families on lower incomes, the school provides support through the Pupil Premium grant. This can assist with the cost of school trips, equipment, and music lessons. Parents should contact the school office directly to discuss eligibility for financial assistance or free school meals.

The school day begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm. An extensive range of before and after-school clubs typically runs until 4:15pm. The school is a short 10-minute walk from Harold Wood station (Elizabeth Line), making it accessible for staff and students, though the vast majority of the cohort arrives on foot from the immediate local area.

Parking around Cotswold Road is extremely limited and subject to local resident restrictions; parents are strongly encouraged to use the designated "drop-off" protocols to minimize disruption to the Harold Wood community. The school uniform is traditional: a navy blazer with the school crest, which must be worn at all times on the school site.

• Intense Admission Competition: With a last distance offered of just 0.808 miles in 2024, securing a place is exceptionally difficult for those living outside the immediate Harold Wood area. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families moving to the area specifically for the school should verify current trends with the local authority.
• No Internal Sixth Form: The transition at age 16 is mandatory. While the school provides excellent support for this move, students who prefer the continuity of an all-through 11-18 environment may find the change of institution in Year 12 unsettling.
• High Academic Pace: The school's success is built on a fast-paced and demanding curriculum. Students who struggle with traditional academic structures may require significant support to keep up with the high expectations set by the teaching staff.

Redden Court School is an exceptional example of a high-achieving state secondary that maintains its community roots while delivering results that rival the independent sector. It combines a disciplined, traditional atmosphere with forward-thinking teaching methods and a genuine care for student wellbeing. Best suited to academically ambitious students living in the immediate Harold Wood area who will thrive in a structured, high-expectation environment. The primary hurdle remains the admissions process, which is among the most competitive in the borough.