Harris Academy Chobham Review 2026: Excellence in East Village

Perched at the heart of London's Olympic legacy, Harris Academy Chobham occupies a purpose-built campus designed by international architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, which won an award at the World Architecture Festival for best new school building. The school opened in September 2013 to serve the emerging East Village community, alongside established families from across Newham and surrounding areas. With pupils aged 3 to 18 housed across a circular five-storey building containing floor-to-ceiling windows and three rooftop terraces overlooking the City skyline, the physical environment reflects educational ambition. As a state academy, there are no tuition fees. The school achieved an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in 2015, with no significant inspections since September 2024 when Ofsted ceased making overall grades. Enrolment is extremely competitive. The latest distance offered for secondary entry was 0.585 miles, reflecting overwhelming demand.

The school was purpose-designed to accommodate students from nursery through sixth form under one roof, a vision that shapes daily experience. Unlike traditional secondary schools where pupils move buildings at 11, Chobham maintains separate entrances, playgrounds, and learning spaces for primary and secondary cohorts, creating distinct communities within a unified campus. The circular drum-shaped main building contains the middle and upper school, with its atrium overlooked by open galleries on each floor. Faculty prioritises the ICHEER values (Inclusion, Honesty, Excellence, Empathy, Respect), a framework embedded in daily routines from induction onwards.

Executive Principal Francesca Perry assumed leadership in June 2025, after several years of sustained growth under previous leaders. The school benefits from Harris Federation support, one of the largest and most established multi-academy trusts in London, with 55 academies educating over 44,000 young people. This affiliation provides resources and networks that smaller independent schools cannot replicate.

Parents responding to Ofsted Parent View surveys express high levels of satisfaction. In 2024-25, 65% strongly agreed their child is happy, with 30% agreeing and only 5% strongly disagreeing. Safety perceptions are equally positive. The building's location in East Village, a rapidly regenerating area adjacent to Sadler's Wells Theatre and the V&A Museum, positions students within an emerging cultural quarter, while proximity to University College London and tech-focused industries shapes curriculum partnerships.

Primary Results

At Key Stage 2 (age 11), performance consistently outpaces England benchmarks. In 2024, 94% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The reading scaled score of 108 exceeds the England average of 100; mathematics at 107 similarly outperforms the 100 benchmark. Grammar, punctuation and spelling reached a scaled score of 109 (England average: 100). Performance at the higher standard — a measure of depth — shows 29% achieved the higher standard across the core subjects, compared to 8% nationally.

The school ranks 1739th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above the national average and 30th among 87 primaries in Newham. This represents solid performance in line with the top 25% of schools nationally, without approaching the highest tier. Pupil intake spans diverse ethnic backgrounds and income levels, reflecting Newham's profile.

GCSE Performance

At Key Stage 4, the attainment picture strengthens. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50.6 (England average: 45.9). Progress 8, a measure of how much pupils progress from their starting points relative to similar pupils nationally, recorded +0.16, indicating pupils make above-average progress. These figures place Harris Academy Chobham 1063rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 25% nationally and 11th among secondaries in Newham.

Demand dramatically outweighs supply. In 2024, the school received 890 applications for 120 secondary places, equivalent to 7.42 applications per place. Only pupils listing the school as a first preference priority and living within the last distance offered can secure entry; the vast majority of applicants are rejected.

Sixth Form and A-Level Performance

The sixth form remains distinctive as a mixed community within the all-through setting. In 2024, A-level results showed 22% of entries at A* or A grades, with 47% achieving A*-B overall. This performance places the school 1597th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), below the England average for selective sixth forms but above many mixed-ability sixth forms. The cohort's entry onto A-level reflects the strength of GCSE outcomes. Universities named as destinations include Durham, UCL, Manchester, and LSE, with three students securing Oxbridge places in 2024.

The sixth form occupies the fourth floor exclusively, a dedicated space with private study facilities, a social café, and exclusive access to the panoramic rooftop terraces. Around 61% of 2024 leavers progressed to university; smaller cohorts pursued further education or apprenticeships.

The curriculum follows the national framework with subject specialist teaching from Year 7 onwards. All pupils study traditional academic subjects: English, mathematics, sciences (taught separately), humanities, languages, and the arts. At GCSE, option blocks allow some choice within a structured framework that emphasises breadth; the school steers pupils away from exclusively applied pathways. Computing earned the NCCE Computing Quality Mark in 2024, recognition of curriculum ambition in this area. Drama specialists teach from Year 7 onwards, with trips to local theatres including Sadler's Wells.

Teaching is characterised by clarity of expectations. Lesson observation protocols focus on "learning walks" rather than graded observations, reducing stress whilst maintaining quality assurance. Staff retention is strong, supported by Harris Federation benefits including additional paid leave (an extra week compared to national norms) and staff wellbeing consultations. The school reports rapid response to behaviour concerns and structured interventions for pupils requiring additional academic or pastoral support.

Primary-to-Secondary Transition

From primary, pupils progress to the secondary phase within the same building in Year 7. Nearly all continue through Chobham. Around 15% of Year 6 cohorts historically secure places at local selective grammars (Reading School, Kendrick School); the school provides 11-plus familiarisation but not intensive coaching. Families pursuing grammar school entry typically arrange external tutoring.

Secondary-to-Sixth Form and Beyond

Internal progression from Year 11 to sixth form is not automatic; students must meet sixth form entry requirements (typically five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with grade 6+ required in intended A-level subjects). The sixth form admits approximately 100-150 new students from both internal progression and external applications, maintaining mixed-ability cohorts rather than a purely selective sixth form.

2024 leaver destinations reflect the school's academic trajectory. Students secured places at Russell Group universities including Durham, UCL, Manchester, and LSE. Beyond Oxbridge, the most frequently named destinations were Imperial College, Edinburgh, and Bristol. Medical school places are achieved regularly; in 2024, three students entered medical programmes. Employment outcomes and apprenticeship routes are available but less commonly published; the school tracks these alongside university entry.

Music Programme

Music is integral to school culture rather than peripheral. The school hosts a Choir that performs at federation conferences and community events. A String Ensemble brings together instrumentalists who have progressed beyond beginner level. Both ensembles participate in the Harris Federation Concert Orchestra, a cross-academy initiative bringing together 125+ instrumentalists for annual performances. Individual instrumental lessons are available, taught by peripatetic specialists, with some peripatetic support provided through the schools music fund. The summer programme includes enrichment days where pupils from primary and secondary collaborate on performances, fostering cross-phase musical community.

Drama and Performing Arts

The Specialism Building houses a fully equipped theatre with retractable bleacher seating and rehearsal space. Students aged 11-18 can participate in drama from coursework through to GCSE and A-level study. School productions occur termly, involving set design, technical backstage work, and performance across multiple year groups. Drama trips to West End theatres are regular; the proximity to Stratford Theatre facilitates local partnerships. A-level drama students in 2024 achieved notably strong results, with over 30% at A/A*.

Sports and Physical Education

The Specialism Building includes a substantial sports hall, well-equipped for basketball, netball, badminton, and other court sports. Playing fields adjacent to the campus provide space for rugby, football, and athletics. The Olympic Park, a 10-minute walk away, provides access to elite-standard sports facilities including aquatic centres. PE is compulsory through Year 9; thereafter it becomes optional within the choices structure. Sports clubs operate across football, netball, basketball, badminton, and athletics. Year 10 prefects ('Christmas Elves') organise charity sporting activities and community service, embedding leadership expectations.

STEM and Technology

Computing achieved NCCE Quality Mark status in December 2024, reflecting systematic investment in curriculum design and resources. The school employs specialist computing teachers and maintains current equipment. A Year 9 student achieved grade 9 in Further Mathematics at age 9, supported by Year 4 teachers who encouraged external study; this exceptional case reflects the school's recognition of accelerated learners. Robotics and tech-focused clubs exist, though specific student names and achievement levels are not widely publicised beyond this notable individual recognition.

Enrichment and Personal Development

The school operates a structured enrichment programme beyond the core curriculum. Values Days allow pupils to explore the ICHEER values through activities and reflection. House system competitions across academic and sporting domains foster community identity. Year 7 and 8 students participate in compulsory enrichment sessions termly, sampling activities from sports to arts to academic extension. Senior students lead peer support and mentoring programmes.

A two-week half-term in October provides additional family time and staff renewal. This extra week, unique among many schools, reflects Harris Federation commitment to staff wellbeing and creates distinct rhythm to the school year.

Nursery and Primary Entry

Nursery entry begins at age 3. The school offers 15 hours per week in nursery; full-time places and extended wraparound care with Junior Adventures Group facilitate working families. Entry to reception (age 4) is coordinated by Newham Local Authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed at primary entry; 202 applications for 76 places in 2024 (2.66 applications per place). Allocation follows standard admissions criteria: looked-after children first, then siblings, then distance from the school. The last distance offered at primary entry was approximately 0.585 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances with Newham admissions office before making property purchase decisions.

Secondary Entry

Secondary entry (Year 7) is far more competitive. In 2024, 890 applications were received for 120 places (7.42 applications per place). The school is non-selective; allocation follows the same priority order as primary. However, the last distance offered reflects overwhelming pressure: in 2024, families living 0.585 miles away secured places; those further away were not admitted. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Families interested in entry should ensure they understand catchment mechanics. The school operates a transparent admissions process aligned with Newham Local Authority. Open days typically occur in September and October; parents should contact the school directly for specific dates each year.

Sixth Form Entry

Entry to sixth form at age 16 requires achieved GCSE results. Most internal Year 11 pupils meeting entry requirements progress; external candidates (from other schools) apply separately and are considered for approximately 50-60 external places. Entry requirements are typically five GCSEs at grade 5+, with specific subject requirements for A-level subjects (grade 6+). The sixth form is less competitive than secondary entry but still selective in practice.

The school's safeguarding culture is well-established. Designated safeguarding leads hold appropriate qualifications. A trained counsellor visits weekly and is available to pupils requiring additional emotional support. The house system provides stable adult relationships; each house is led by a Housemaster/Housemistress with oversight of approximately 100-150 pupils. Tutor groups of 6-8 pupils receive daily contact with their form tutor. Behaviour policy references ICHEER values explicitly; staff report consistent application and parental understanding.

Peer support is nurtured. Senior prefects and 'Christmas Elves' in Year 10 mentor younger pupils and coordinate community service. Anti-bullying protocols are in place; the school recognises online safety as an integral part of pastoral strategy, with regular assemblies and tutor time dedicated to digital citizenship.

School hours run from 8:50am to 3:20pm for most year groups (timings vary slightly for nursery and sixth form). Before-school breakfast club and after-school provision until 6pm are available in primary, with Junior Adventures Group providing holiday clubs during school holidays. Secondary students do not have formal after-school wraparound, though supervised study areas are available in the sixth form.

Transport links are excellent. Stratford Underground (Central Line, 10 minutes into the City) is a 15-minute walk; Stratford International (mainline railway, 6 minutes to St. Pancras) is 5 minutes' walk away. The DLR at Stratford International provides additional capacity. Ample free parking is available on campus for staff; parent parking is limited. Walking, cycling, and public transport are the primary routes for most families. Buses serving the East Village area provide additional connectivity.

Demand far exceeds supply. Entry at secondary level is extremely difficult. With 7.42 applications per place, families need to live very close to secure a place. Unless your property is within approximately 0.585 miles (as of 2024), admission is unlikely. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. This is not a school for families relying on distance; it is a school for those living within walking distance.

Oversubscription has downsides. The competitive admission process creates pressure at primary level too. Families in the immediate catchment may feel obliged to secure entry early. The long waiting lists mean appeals are rarely successful.

The sixth form is less prestigious than the secondary base. A-level results (47% A*-B) sit below England average for selective sixth forms, though they exceed many mixed-ability providers. If sixth form selectivity and prestige are priorities, families might explore alternatives. However, for students enjoying the all-through environment and continuing internal peers, progression through Chobham offers stability.

Pace and expectations are high. The school attracts academically-able pupils due to its reputation and location. Teaching assumes mathematical confidence and reading fluency from Year 7. Pupils who struggle to keep pace may find the environment stressful, though support services are available.

Harris Academy Chobham is an unusually ambitious all-through school combining state funding with purpose-built modern facilities, specialist teaching, and clear academic expectations. Results outperform England averages at primary and GCSE, reflecting both school quality and selective intake (self-selecting through distance). The architecture, location within cultural quarter, and inclusive ethos create a distinctive school experience. For families living within the immediate catchment and seeking excellent primary or secondary education without fees, this is a compelling option. Best suited to families living within walking distance of Stratford, comfortable with high academic expectations, and valuing the all-through experience. The main barrier is entry; once admitted, the educational quality justifies the competition.