School 21 Review 2026: Pioneering Oracy and Project-Based Learning

In the heart of Stratford, School 21 has established itself as one of the most talked-about educational experiments in London. Founded in 2012 by Peter Hyman, a former advisor to Tony Blair, the school was designed to break the traditional mould of British education. It operates as an all-through state school, taking children from the age of 4 and keeping them until they leave at 18. The school's 2024 performance metrics place it in the middle tier of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a solid performance across its primary and secondary phases.

The school is defined by its commitment to three pillars: Oracy (the art of speaking), Project-Based Learning, and Wellbeing. While many schools focus almost exclusively on written outcomes, School 21 treats the ability to speak with confidence and eloquence as a foundational skill.

The atmosphere at School 21 feels more like a modern creative agency than a Victorian institution. There is a palpable sense of energy in the corridors, where student work is displayed with professional polish rather than being pinned haphazardly to boards. Nicola Mason took up the post of headteacher in September 2021, leading a school that values voice and agency above all else.

Students here are encouraged to speak up and speak well. The school’s architectural design facilitates this; there are open spaces for public speaking and collaborative zones for group projects. While a 2023 Ofsted inspection previously rated the school as Requires Improvement, the most recent routine inspection on 29 April 2025 awarded the school a Good rating across all key categories. Inspectors found that pupils enjoy attending the school and benefit from a broad, balanced, and innovative curriculum. Students appear genuinely engaged with the real-world applications of their learning, often presenting their projects to external audiences in formal exhibitions.

The academic performance at School 21 tells a story of significant strength in the primary phase and developing consistency in the secondary and sixth form stages.

In the primary phase, the results are particularly impressive. In 2024, 75% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, which is significantly above the England average of 62%. Even more striking is the percentage of pupils achieving at the higher standard; 22% hit this benchmark compared to the England average of 8%. The school ranks 55th among primaries in Newham and sits in the top tier locally for higher-attaining pupils (FindMySchool ranking).

At GCSE level, the school achieves a solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). The Attainment 8 score of 45.9 is exactly in line with the England average. However, the Progress 8 score of -0.05 indicates that students make progress roughly in line with their starting points, rather than exceeding them.

The Sixth Form (Six 21) shows a similar pattern. In 2024, 42.04% of A-level entries achieved A*-B grades, which sits slightly below the England average of 47.2%. Ranked 7th in Newham for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the college provides a viable local alternative to larger FE colleges.

The curriculum at School 21 is distinctive. While it covers the National Curriculum, it does so through the lens of "The 21st Century Child." This involves an emphasis on project-based learning where students tackle big questions and produce authentic products.

Oracy is the golden thread running through every lesson. Students are taught how to listen, how to build on the ideas of others, and how to present a persuasive argument. This is not just for English lessons; a science project on climate change might culminate in a public debate or a formal presentation to local councillors.

Teachers are described as expert guides rather than just deliverers of information. They facilitate learning through "critique" sessions, where students give and receive feedback on their work to improve its quality before the final submission.

School 21 provides a seamless journey from Reception through to the end of Year 13. For those leaving at 18, the destination data is strong. According to 2024 leaver data, 71% of students progressed to university, with 8% entering direct employment and 3% starting apprenticeships.

The school's focus on professional skills and oracy means students often present themselves well in interviews. Popular university destinations include Queen Mary University of London, UCL, and King's College London, reflecting the school’s Stratford location and its students' ambitions within the capital.

Securing a place at School 21 is exceptionally difficult due to its popularity and its all-through structure.

For Reception entry, the school is heavily oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 91 first-preference applications for just 30 places. This means the school is operating at over three times its capacity for new starters. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the local authority has approved a reduction in the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 75 to 60 reception places.

For Year 7 entry, the challenge is even greater. Because the school is all-through, the students in the primary phase automatically move up to the secondary phase. In 2024, there was only 1 offer made to an external applicant despite 462 applications. This makes School 21 effectively a closed shop at Year 7 unless families are already within the school community. The national closing date for Year 7 applications for September 2026 was 31 October 2025, with offers released on 2 March 2026.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates, though for secondary entry, the chances for external candidates remain statistically low.

Wellbeing is the third pillar of the school. Each student is part of a small coaching group that meets daily. This "Coaching" system replaces the traditional tutor group, allowing for deeper relationships and more personalised support.

The school uses a "Circle" approach to resolve conflicts and build community. This restorative justice model ensures that behaviour is managed through dialogue and understanding rather than just sanctions. Recent official assessments confirm that pupils are happy and safe here, often speaking positively about the spirit of community in the school.

The extracurricular life at School 21 is as innovative as its curriculum. The "Real World Learning" programme is a standout feature, where Year 10 and Year 12 students spend half a day each week in professional placements across London.

Specific clubs and activities include:

The Debate Society

A natural extension of the school's oracy focus, competing in regional competitions.

The Robotics Lab

Where students use modern equipment to build and programme autonomous machines.

School 21 Radio

A student-led station that broadcasts podcasts and interviews across the campus.

Music and Drama are central to the project-based approach, with annual "Exhibitions of Learning" that resemble professional theatre or gallery openings rather than standard school plays.

The school day at School 21 is longer than average to accommodate the coaching and project sessions. Doors open at 8:15am, with the formal day running from 8:30am until 3:30pm for primary and 4:00pm for secondary students. Wraparound care for primary pupils is available through an on-site breakfast club and after-school provision until 6:00pm.

The school is well-served by transport, located within walking distance of Stratford and Stratford High Street stations, providing access via the Jubilee, Central, Elizabeth lines, and the DLR.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. As a non-selective, non-denominational mixed-gender all-through free school, it is publicly funded. Families do not pay for the core educational provision. Associated costs such as school uniform, optional trips, and certain extracurricular music lessons may apply, but the school provides support for families eligible for Pupil Premium to ensure all students can participate in school life.

• Secondary entry hurdle: For families not already in the School 21 primary phase, securing a Year 7 place is nearly impossible. With only one external place offered in 2024 against hundreds of applications, it is a high-risk primary choice for those outside the catchment.
• Innovative vs. Traditional: The project-based approach and lack of traditional desks-in-rows teaching may not suit every child. Those who thrive on rigid structure and rote learning might find the fluid, collaborative nature of School 21 unsettling.
• Specialist Curriculum: As a specialist school for the English language, the curriculum emphasizes communication and oracy. This is a clear strength for many, but families should ensure this aligns with their child's learning style.
• Academy status: The school has been part of the Big Education Trust since its founding, which provides a specific framework for its values and operational strategies.

School 21 is a bold, brave institution that prioritises the "whole child" in a way few state schools dare to. It is a place where speaking is as important as writing and where projects have real-world stakes. Best suited to creative, communicative students who want an education that prepares them for the professional world, it is less suited to those seeking a purely traditional academic environment. For local families, it remains a highly coveted choice, though the main challenge is simply getting through the door.