The Kingston Academy Review 2026: Outstanding State School with Exceptional Progress

A decade into operation, The Kingston Academy has become one of England's finest non-selective state schools. Located in North Kingston near the River Thames, the school serves 1,188 students across a beautifully restored Victorian building and a striking modern extension completed in 2019. The school was founded in 2015 by the Kingston Educational Trust, a partnership between Kingston University, Kingston College, and the Royal Borough of Kingston, with the explicit mission to serve ambitious families in the local community without selection. Under the leadership of Head Teacher Mrs Sophie Cavanagh, the school ranks 422nd in England for GCSE performance, placing it in the top 10% nationally (FindMySchool ranking). More strikingly, the school's Progress 8 score of +1.16 indicates pupils achieve substantially above-average progress from their starting points, a hallmark of genuinely effective teaching. An Ofsted inspection in May 2024 judged the school Outstanding in all categories, noting that teaching successfully challenges all groups to aim high and achieve their best.

Entering The Kingston Academy on an ordinary morning reveals a school that feels purposeful without being pressured. Students move between lessons with focus; the historic quadrangle with its mature gardens creates natural gathering spaces; modern corridors host student artwork and displays of work in progress. The blend of old and new architecture — Victorian red brick surrounding a garden courtyard alongside the gleaming contemporary extension — physically embodies the school's philosophy: respecting heritage while building for the future.

Mrs Cavanagh's leadership, which began in recent years, has reinforced the school's distinctive approach: inclusion without compromise, ambition without elitism. The school's four guiding principles — everyone will be appreciated, we expect greatness, we will learn from the best, and we will always work to get better — are not merely slogans but genuinely shape daily experience. Students describe strong relationships with staff and peers, a culture where aspiration is normalised and where belonging matters.

The school sits comfortably close to Richmond Park and the Thames, localities that become part of the educational offer through outdoor education programmes and community partnerships. Being part of Kingston Educational Trust (a multi-academy trust since 2022) gives access to Kingston University's libraries and Kingston College's theatrical facilities, effectively expanding the school's cultural reach beyond its walls.

Recent Ofsted findings highlighted the school's success in fostering an environment where over 80% of staff reported excellent pupil behaviour (35% above the national benchmark) and 93% of parents agreed their child is happy at school (well above the 83% national average). These figures suggest something often absent in high-achieving schools: contentment alongside rigour.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, The Kingston Academy delivered strong results for a non-selective intake. The average Attainment 8 score of 62.1 reflects solid overall achievement, with nearly half of all grades (49%) reaching the top tier of grades 9-7. The school ranks 422nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% nationally, and holds 6th position locally within Kingston upon Thames.

The Progress 8 measure of +1.16 is particularly significant. This figure indicates that pupils at The Kingston Academy make substantially above-average progress from their Year 6 starting points, accounting for their prior attainment. This metric matters because it removes the noise of selection: a non-selective school achieving +1.16 is doing something notably right in classroom practice and support structures. Half of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate, reflecting strong take-up in languages, sciences, and humanities alongside core subjects.

A-Level Performance

The Sixth Form, which welcomed its first Year 12 cohort in 2020, has matured into a sustained strength. At A-level, 61% of grades came in at A*-B, with an average grade equivalent to a B-. The school ranks 586th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% nationally, and 5th in Kingston. A-level students particularly benefit from access to Kingston University facilities and the college's theatrical venues, enriching provision beyond the classroom.

In 2024, 68% of grades achieved by students from disadvantaged backgrounds (those eligible for bursary support) matched or exceeded their ambitious target grades, a figure outperforming the wider student cohort and indicating equity in quality of support.

Teaching is characterised by high expectations and clear structure. Ofsted noted that staff skilfully question pupils to push thinking deeper; teachers have strong subject knowledge and create a learning environment in which students feel both challenged and supported. The school operates on a structured 32.5-hour week, with core lessons Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:00pm, allowing time for enrichment activities to run after school without compromising instructional time.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Students encounter separate sciences from Year 7, languages as standard, a full humanities programme, and strong creative and technical provision. A particular strength is the school's focus on cultural capital: partnerships with Kingston University and Kingston College provide students with access to specialist resources, and the school deliberately exposes students to theatre, classical music, and intellectual depth. The Y10 Scholarship Programme, for example, features 8:00am lecture series on topics such as criminal profiling, designed to stretch thinking beyond the standard curriculum.

The school's pastoral structure is built around form tutors and a house system, creating multiple layers of connection. Year teams (Mr Robinson for Year 7, Mr Ward for Year 8, Mr Codrington for Year 9, Mr Mackie for Year 10, Mr Vaughan-Jordan for Year 11, Ms Bowey for Year 12, and Mr Lockett for Year 13) provide consistent points of contact and pastoral oversight. The school was recently named among the top 50 happiest schools in the UK according to Ofsted parent surveys, suggesting that wellbeing frameworks are working. Mental health support, peer-led initiatives, and formal counselling are all available to students who need them.

Behaviour is notably strong. The school culture emphasises respect and responsibility, supported by clear expectations and consistent enforcement. Students generally arrive punctually, engage in lessons, and participate in school life with commitment.

Sport: Comprehensive and Competitive

Sport is threaded throughout school life at TKA. The school has earned the School Games Mark Gold Medal in recognition of the breadth and quality of competitive sports, both within school and against local opponents. The flagship sports include football, rugby, basketball, cricket, netball, athletics, and trampolining, with competitive fixtures against neighbouring schools throughout the year. The modern sports hall with its full-size pitch accommodates basketball, netball, badminton, and volleyball; a dedicated fitness studio supports strength and conditioning work.

Rugby and football are particularly established, with strong Year 7 to Year 11 competitive pathways and regular fixtures at all age groups. The school makes deliberate use of the Hawker Centre for additional PE and Outdoor Education provision, taking advantage of proximity to Richmond Park and the River Thames for rowing, orienteering, and naturalist studies. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme runs at Bronze and Silver level, with outdoor expeditions undertaken to France and the South Coast. A dedicated TKA Outdoor Education social media account documents ski trips and field work, suggesting these opportunities have become embedded in school identity.

Music and Performing Arts

Music is active across the school. While the school website does not publish a detailed orchestral or ensemble listing, there is clear evidence of musical life: the head teacher's welcome references 80% of pupils learning an instrument (a significant figure suggesting whole-cohort music tuition). The school has access to Kingston College's Theatre as a partnership venue, enabling larger productions. Drama productions feature regularly in the school calendar, with house-based performances and whole-school events celebrated in school communications.

Clubs and Activities

The enrichment programme is extensive. Pupils select from an array of clubs each term via an Enrichment Portal, with new options each term to sustain engagement. Named offerings include the Outdoor Education programme (with expeditions abroad), the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at multiple levels, and the Y10 Scholarship Programme (featuring guest lectures on topics from criminal profiling to specialist STEM fields). An active house system creates vertical tutor groups and inter-house competitions in sport, music, and academic disciplines.

STEM and Innovation

The school has invested substantially in science and design technology provision, with modern laboratories and equipment visible in recent building documentation. A lecture theatre serves as a hub for extended learning, visiting speakers, and whole-cohort events. Access to Kingston University's resources and Kingston College's technical facilities expands the practical STEM offer. The curriculum includes separate sciences from Year 7, and both GCSE and A-level cohorts can pursue advanced pathways in physics, chemistry, and biology. The school also offers design technology and computer science as discrete qualifications, reflecting STEM ambition beyond pure sciences.

Sixth Form Enrichment

The Sixth Form has its own enrichment programme, described on the school website as fostering greater independence and more mature learning partnerships with staff. Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) are offered, with recent cohorts achieving strong results (11 out of 14 students securing A or A* grades in 2024). University support is intensive, with specialist careers advisers, a dedicated Leavers' Destinations page, and collaborative work with UK universities to facilitate visits and taster sessions.

University Destinations

In 2024, 71% of sixth form leavers progressed directly to university, reflecting the school's explicit aim to prepare students for higher education. The school's Leavers' Destinations page indicates consistent success in securing places at research-intensive universities. One Cambridge place was secured in the measurement period, alongside places at a broad range of institutions. The published figures suggest students regularly access Russell Group universities, though specific institutional numbers are not published on the school website.

Beyond university, 13% of sixth form leavers entered employment (often graduate-level roles or apprenticeships with professional firms), and 2% began formal apprenticeships. These figures reflect the school's commitment to broadening the definition of success beyond traditional university entry.

Secondary Progression

For Year 11 leavers, most progress to the school's own Sixth Form. Internal progression is not formally restricted; students meeting the entry criteria (Grade 4 in both English and maths, plus five GCSEs at Grade 4-9) may continue. External sixth forms and vocational colleges also receive students from the Year 11 cohort, though the majority choose to remain at TKA.

The Kingston Academy is non-selective and heavily oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions data, the school received 1,305 applications for 225 places at Year 7 (Reception entry), reflecting a subscription ratio of 5.8:1. Admissions are coordinated through Kingston upon Thames Local Authority's standard admissions process. Priority is given to looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, then to siblings, then by straight-line distance from the school gates.

The school operates an annual Open Evening, typically held in September, inviting prospective Year 6 pupils and families to tour facilities and meet staff. Headteacher speeches are given multiple times to accommodate crowds. Entry to Sixth Form requires Grade 4 in both English and Mathematics GCSE, plus five GCSEs graded 4-9. Individual subjects may have higher entry criteria; the school website should be checked for subject-specific requirements.

The school day runs 8:30am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday, totalling 32.5 hours per week. Students are expected to arrive on site before 8:30am for morning registration. Numerous extracurricular clubs and activities take place after 3:00pm on school premises. Lunch is served in the modern dining atrium; free school meals are available for eligible pupils.

The school is located on Richmond Road in North Kingston, very close to the River Thames and within walking distance of Richmond Park. Public transport links are strong: South Western Railway serves Kingston station (approximately 10-15 minutes' walk), and local bus routes serve the school directly. Parking for visitors is limited; families are encouraged to use public transport or walk where possible.

Intense oversubscription. With 5.8 applications per place, securing entry is highly competitive. Distance from the school gates is the deciding factor for non-priority pupils. Families living more than approximately 1 km away should be realistic about chances of admission.

Strong academic culture. The school achieves high results and has high expectations. Students who thrive in structured, academically-focused environments will flourish; those who need greater flexibility or struggle with sustained academic work may find the intensity uncomfortable.

Sixth Form is relatively new. While A-level results have been strong and the Sixth Form now has five cohorts, some facilities and routines are still maturing compared to long-established sixth forms. For families prioritising a highly developed sixth form culture and society network, look at established independent or larger state options.

The Kingston Academy represents what non-selective secondary education can achieve when leadership is clear, teaching is skilled, and inclusion is genuinely practised. Strong exam results (top 10% in England for GCSE progress, top 10% nationally for GCSE attainment) combined with outstanding Ofsted judgments and parental satisfaction create a compelling case. The school is particularly strong for families seeking academic ambition without selection bias, who value wellbeing and behaviour alongside results, and who are willing to navigate competitive admissions. Best suited to students who are self-motivated, comfortable in a structured academic environment, and whose families live within the tight catchment or have strong connection to the area. The main challenge is admission itself; those who secure a place will find an outstandingly well-run comprehensive school where both results and happiness matter.