Orleans Park School Review 2026: Outstanding Comprehensive in the Heart of Twickenham

When Sir David Attenborough opened the school's sixth form centre in 2015, dedicating it to his family's honour, he was continuing a legacy spanning over a century. Orleans Park has evolved from its origins as an elementary school in Twickenham in 1911 to become one of London's most oversubscribed comprehensive schools. Today, over 1,350 students benefit from a state-funded institution that has maintained an Outstanding Ofsted rating since 2010, consistently delivering results that rival independent schools while remaining free to attend.

The school occupies a spacious campus where Victorian heritage meets modern facilities. A 2024 inspection found that students "thrive" here, are "happy and safe," and achieve "very well," with the report highlighting the school's broad and rich curriculum enhanced by vocational pathways. With only 0.771 miles separating the last distance offered from the gates, securing a place is fiercely competitive, yet families who do gain entry speak enthusiastically about the sense of belonging and rigorous academic environment. The three core values — Responsibility, Resilience, and Respect — structure daily life and guide student behaviour, which inspectors found to be exemplary.

The school's history offers a foundation for understanding its character today. Originally established in 1910 as Orleans Council School on Hartington Road and Napoleon Road, the institution served generations of Twickenham children before expanding in 1961 to acquire the former Exiles Football Ground on Richmond Road as a dedicated sports field. The significant investment in purpose-built facilities began in earnest in 1971 when Richmond Borough Council approved plans for a new mixed secondary school at Orleans Park, opening in September 1973 as the borough's first purpose-built comprehensive school. When Lord Boyle officially opened the complete building in 1976, the school entered its modern era, though its identity remained rooted in community service.

Today's ethos balances this heritage with forward momentum. The Attenborough Building, named in honour of Sir David Attenborough's opening and his brother Richard's previous connection to the school, signals the institution's ongoing development. Students move through corridors decorated with house identities and achievement notices, their uniform of maroon sweatshirt with gold band and interlocked "O" and "P" logo creating visual cohesion.

Leadership matters here. Ms Kathy Pacey, headteacher since September 2022 from Teddington School, has emphasised renewed focus on sixth form provision and directed study programmes. Under her stewardship, the school continues to invest in academic rigour alongside creative opportunity. Teachers are described by inspectors as providing "many opportunities to explore and discuss complex issues," while newly qualified teachers speak enthusiastically about the care and targeted professional development they receive. Parent feedback is consistently positive, with nearly all parents reporting their child feels happy and safe. The school's designation as a Mathematics and Computing College (from 2003) and Language College (from 2008) shaped curriculum depth that persists today, even as the school transitioned to academy status in 2012.

The school operates without selective admissions criteria, making it genuinely comprehensive. This diversity of intake — 47% of pupils identify as ethnic minorities — creates a multicultural environment where difference is valued. The school's explicit focus on inclusion and diversity is reflected in named groups such as "Under the Umbrella," the LGBTQ+ and Straight Allies club, and sustained anti-racism initiatives.

GCSE Performance

Orleans Park ranks 437th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of schools nationally and 9th among Richmond upon Thames secondaries. This represents strong, consistent performance that has improved significantly over the past two decades.

In 2024, 32% of students achieved the highest two grades (9-8) at GCSE, with 92% attaining a pass in English and Mathematics combined. The school's Attainment 8 score of 64.1 significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9. Progress 8, measuring students' advancement from Key Stage 2 starting points, reached +0.88, indicating students make well above average progress from their entry baseline. In practical terms, a typical pupil entering Orleans Park with middle-range primary results will leave with substantially stronger GCSE grades than peers nationally.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) pathway, encompassing English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities, is actively promoted. 46% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in all EBacc subjects, well above the national average of approximately 40%, indicating the school's commitment to breadth alongside depth in academic study.

A-Level Performance

At sixth form, 64% of grades achieved A*-B, significantly above the England average of approximately 47%. The school ranks 603rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the top 25% of schools nationally and 10th in Richmond upon Thames. Crucially, 9% of grades reached A*, and 21% achieved A, demonstrating genuine excellence among upper sixth students.

The sixth form has grown in popularity, with the dedicated Attenborough Building and expanded teaching spaces supporting increased cohort sizes. Students benefit from 26 A-level subjects including Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art, allowing genuine choice and specialisation. The breadth reflects the school's commitment to academic breadth rather than narrow vocational tracking.

The curriculum is notably ambitious. Inspectors found that pupils benefit from "a broad and rich curriculum, enhanced by additional subjects such as astronomy and vocational courses in years 9, 10, and 11." This breadth reflects the school's rejection of narrow GCSE preparation in favour of genuine education. Years 7-9 follow a traditional academic pathway structured around core subjects and rotating option blocks, creating exposure to languages, humanities, sciences, and creative subjects before students specialise at Key Stage 4.

Subject teaching demonstrates consistent strength. History lessons described by students as "amazing," with "Mrs Trapani explaining and making us understand," exemplify the clarity of explanation valued here. Drama teaching balances performance opportunity with technical training, with Ms Manley's use of accents and gestures embedding character understanding. The curriculum actively promotes critical thinking, particularly through History's focus on interpreting sources and building evidence-based arguments.

Subject specialists teach across a range of expertise. The school particularly emphasises mathematics, reflecting its specialist college heritage, with additional sessions and support for pupils struggling with abstract concepts. Languages remain integral, with pupils studying German, French, or Spanish to GCSE and beyond. The sciences are taught separately rather than combined, allowing greater depth in chemistry, physics, and biology.

Literacy underpins all teaching. The school maintains an explicit focus on reading, recognising that comprehension skills drive progress across subjects. A dedicated Reading programme operates alongside subject tutors available for targeted intervention. The "Prep Learning" approach encourages directed study and independent research skills, particularly valuable for sixth form progression.

University Destinations

In the 2023-24 cohort, 61% of leavers progressed to university. This figure reflects a comprehensive intake where some students pursue apprenticeships or direct employment. Among university-bound students, destinations are notably strong. The school has generated one documented Oxbridge applicant placement in recent years, with one Cambridge acceptance and zero Oxford offers from 12 combined applications, reflecting the competitive landscape.

Leavers regularly access Russell Group universities and other research-led institutions. Beyond Oxbridge, students have progressed to Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, Bristol, Durham, and Warwick. Medicine remains a popular destination, with eighteen sixth form leavers in 2024 securing medical school places, testament to rigorous science teaching and careers guidance targeting healthcare professions. The university destinations page on the school website lists specific placement outcomes annually.

Post-Compulsory Pathways

For those not pursuing university, the school facilitates clear alternatives. Approximately 3% progress to further education colleges for extended vocational study, whilst 18% enter direct employment, often progressing from work experience placements established through the school's employer partnerships. Apprenticeships are integrated into career guidance, though apprenticeship uptake among sixth form leavers is minimal, suggesting most sixth formers are university-focused.

The school's careers programme begins early, with Year 9-11 vocational courses providing alternative pathways and building practical skills alongside GCSEs. Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions, available from Year 7 onwards, develop resilience and teamwork valued by universities and employers alike.

Admissions to Year 7 are fiercely competitive. In recent admissions data, the school received 1,536 applications for 207 places, a ratio of 7.4 applications per place. Just 1.94 pupils' first-preference applications were successful relative to first-preference offers, indicating that securing a place as a first choice requires excellent distance credentials or compelling proximity to the school.

The last distance offered in recent years was 0.771 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families considering Orleans Park should use the FindMySchool Map Search to verify their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Transport links include proximity to Twickenham rail and bus routes, making access from across Richmond upon Thames feasible for families planning to move or living on the periphery of the catchment.

Admissions follow standard coordinated admissions procedures through Richmond upon Thames Local Authority. No entrance tests or interviews occur; selection is purely distance-based after allowing for looked-after children and pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school. Open events typically occur in September and October; families should contact the school directly via admissions@orleanspark.school for up-to-date dates and booking information.

Year 7 transition is well-structured, with Year 6 transition visits and guided induction preparing new pupils for the larger secondary environment. The school's Year 7 "Woods Trip" is a celebrated rite of passage, offering adventure and team-building in an outdoor setting.

Sixth form entry attracts a different cohort. Internal progression is not automatic; sixth form entry requires GCSE passes (typically grades 4 and above) in intended subjects. External students also apply, broadening the sixth form diversity and creating a fresh dynamic at post-16. The Attenborough Building and expanded facilities support this growth.

Student wellbeing is central to the school's mission. Inspectors found that "pupils trust staff to always have their best interests at heart" and that students "build very respectful, working relationships with each other and with staff." The house system creates vertical structures where older students mentor younger peers, fostering a sense of belonging across year groups.

A dedicated Mental Health Support Team operates on-site, providing early intervention and signposting to external services when needed. The school explicitly teaches resilience and emotional regulation through PSHE and across the curriculum, equipping pupils to manage stress and setbacks. Targeted pastoral provision includes support for specific vulnerabilities, whilst specialist provision serves pupils with SEND, some attending mainstream lessons with withdrawal support as needed.

Behaviour is exemplary, reflecting clear expectations and consistent consequences. Inspectors noted "excellent standards of behaviour throughout the school." The three core values — Responsibility, Resilience, Respect — are more than slogans; they're actively reinforced through recognition systems, reflection opportunities, and consequences that restore relationships rather than merely punish. Bullying is taken seriously, with clear reporting channels and follow-up protocols ensuring swift action.

Orleans Park distinguishes itself through extensive extracurricular provision that enriches academic learning and builds lifelong skills.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music is embedded across the school community. The Choir, open to all interested students, performs at assemblies, community events, and concert celebrations throughout the year. The Soul Band attracts students with contemporary music interests, while the Clarinet Club and Rock & Pop Band (Year 7-9) cater to specific instrumental and genre preferences. These ensembles aren't elite showcases; they're inclusive pathways into music-making, reflecting the school's commitment to breadth.

Performance opportunities extend beyond regular rehearsals. The annual Whole School Production is a major undertaking, engaging students across acting, singing, set design, and technical production. Students describe the energy and inclusivity of these productions, which have included ambitious large-scale shows drawing casts of 50-100 students. The school's new grand piano, funded through Orleans Park Friends fundraising, signals the quality of music facilities and institutional investment in the arts.

Drama and Performance

Drama reaches beyond theatre into lived experience. The Live Theatre Club (all years) and dedicated Year 7-9 Drama Club create spaces for exploration and character work. Ms Manley's teaching is noted for creative energy and rigorous technique. Students perform at drama competitions, engaging with external adjudication and peer audiences. The termly production calendar ensures regular performance opportunity, building confidence and presentation skills alongside creative confidence.

STEM: Innovation and Competition

Science and mathematics extend into active clubs. The Year 7 & 8 Science Club and Maths Club provide enrichment, with competitions and problem-solving activities sparking deeper engagement. The school's Mathematics College heritage remains evident in the quality of mathematics teaching and the breadth of optional extension work available. History Documentary Makers represents a crossover STEM-humanities initiative where students produce video investigations into historical topics, developing digital skills alongside historical thinking.

Debating and Intellectual Engagement

The Debate Club (all years) develops argumentation, research, and public speaking skills. Active participation in local and regional debating competitions exposes students to competitive intellectual challenge beyond the exam room. The club attracts students across year groups, creating a culture where reasoned disagreement and evidence-based argument are valued.

Language and Cultural Clubs

The French Culture Club (Key Stage 3 and 4), German Culture Club, and German Culture Club ensure languages stay alive beyond classroom learning. These clubs combine language practice with cultural exploration — food, film, current events — making languages vibrant and connected to real communication rather than abstract grammar.

Inclusion and Identity

Under the Umbrella (LGBTQ+ and Straight Allies), operating at both Key Stage 3 and 4, creates a safe space for students exploring identity and sexuality. The named, visible club signals institutional commitment to inclusion and acceptance, reducing isolation for vulnerable students.

Sports: Breadth and Excellence

Sports provision is genuinely comprehensive. The school competes at local borough leagues, county competitions, and English Schools Championships across football, rugby, netball, hockey, rowing, athletics, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, judo, dance, and lacrosse. Specialist coaches enhance staff delivery, funded through external investment. Teams are fielded at multiple levels — from competitive fixtures to participation opportunities — ensuring sport is inclusive rather than elite-only.

The Indoor Rowing programme is particularly developed, with ergometers providing year-round training. A running club attracts early-morning participants, with members jogging around nearby Marble Hill Park on Thursday mornings. Tennis and hockey benefit from facility access; athletics and field events occur on the school's own track. The wooded area, sports fields, and green spaces create an environment where outdoor learning and physical activity flourish.

Personal Training and Performance Enhancing Training cater to students serious about athletic development, whilst newer offerings like Pickleball and Kinball introduce less traditional sports and ensure genuine variety. Dance, offered both competitively and recreationally, reflects gender-inclusive sport provision.

Sport comes with modest costs. Families contribute £20 per term per family for standard sports clubs, with specialist coaching clubs charging £25-100 per term, ensuring financial barriers don't prevent participation despite the school's free access philosophy.

Enrichment and Expeditions

Duke of Edinburgh's Award operates from Year 7, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels available. Expeditions increase in ambition as students progress, developing navigation, camping, and resilience skills. School trips are integral; the Year 7 Woods Trip is legendary, whilst older students undertake geographically focused journeys supporting curriculum learning.

The Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award, a national recognition scheme, celebrates student achievement and leadership across the school. The School Council and Year Councils drive charity events and fundraising, building student agency and service orientation. Orleans Park Friends — the parent-staff association — coordinates major annual events including the November Fireworks Display and July St Margaret's Fair, involving students in community fundraising and relationship-building.

School Day

The school day runs from registration to dismissal, with break and lunch periods structured around the curriculum timetable. Specific timings are available on the school website. Students move to different teaching spaces for each lesson, a transition that manages large numbers effectively whilst requiring organisation and time-management from pupils.

Transport and Accessibility

Located on Richmond Road in Twickenham, the school is accessible via public transport. Twickenham railway station serves mainline services, whilst local buses provide comprehensive coverage. Walking routes from the town centre are feasible. The school does not offer comprehensive on-site parking, reflecting urban location and environmental priorities. Families working with the school on accessibility requirements should contact reception directly.

Uniform

The maroon sweatshirt with gold band remains distinctive. White shirt and grey trousers or skirt complete the uniform, with PE kit required separately. Second-hand uniform sales, coordinated by Orleans Park Friends, reduce family costs and environmental impact.

Facilities and Campus

The campus extends across multiple buildings representing different eras. The Attenborough Building houses the sixth form in dedicated teaching spaces, signalling the school's commitment to post-16 provision. Science laboratories, technology suites, and creative spaces support specialist teaching. The library houses both traditional books and digital resources, accessible before school, during lunch, and after lessons.

Oversubscription at entry. With 7.4 applications per place, gaining admission is the primary hurdle. Unless you live very close to the school — currently under 0.771 miles — securing a place is uncertain. Families should view this distance as a firm requirement rather than a possibility. Those outside the catchment may find themselves disappointed despite the school's excellent reputation.

Limited transport infrastructure. Whilst bus and rail serve the area, families relying on car transport face parking challenges. The school does not operate a formal transport scheme, placing responsibility on families for arranging access. Some families living at distance do manage daily travel; others find it prohibitive.

Academic pace. Results are strong, and expectations are high. Students thrive in this environment, but those struggling with pace or requiring intensive support may find the mainstream provision insufficient. The school does accommodate SEND with targeted provision, but this varies by need. Families should discuss specific requirements during admissions conversations.

Vocational breadth contingent on Key Stage 4 choices. Whilst vocational courses exist in Years 9-11, the school's primary identity is academic. Students entering with vocational inclinations should recognise the curriculum's traditional academic character, though pathways do exist for alternative routes post-compulsory education.

Orleans Park stands as a beacon of what a truly comprehensive, oversubscribed state secondary can achieve. Outstanding Ofsted status since 2010, excellent GCSE and A-level results, and genuine student wellbeing create an environment where challenge coexists with care. The breadth of extracurricular provision — from soul bands to science clubs, rowing to Russian language — ensures students find their tribe and discover passions beyond the exam room.

The school suits families living within the catchment who value academic rigour, diversity, and a school genuinely grounded in its local community. Those seeking a selective grammar education elsewhere won't find it here; those wanting inclusive excellence will be delighted. The greatest barrier isn't educational quality but proximity to the school gates. For families who secure entry, Orleans Park provides an exceptional secondary education that costs nothing, demands much, and delivers rewards that extend far beyond exam halls.