Harris Academy Bermondsey

A girls' school rated Outstanding in every category by Ofsted, Harris Academy Bermondsey has built an exceptional track record since opening as an academy in 2006. Located on Southwark Park Road in Bermondsey, this 11-18 comprehensive serves approximately 835 students and has achieved the coveted Outstanding rating in three consecutive inspections. The school combines strong academic expectations with genuine pastoral warmth under Principal Gizle Landman, who has led since September 2022. Part of the Harris Federation, the academy offers a well-established sixth form pathway (HAB6) opened in 2015, providing students with a clear route from Year 7 through to university or employment.

The school's values of Ambition, Compassion, and Respect are woven through daily life rather than being mere slogans on corridor walls. Principal Landman describes her approach as being "uncompromising yet caring" and "relentlessly bothered" about each student's progress and wellbeing. This balance of high expectations with genuine support characterises the academy's culture.

The building sits on Southwark Park Road, where the school benefits from modern facilities including a 3G sports pitch, sports hall, and theatre. The atmosphere is purposeful yet welcoming. A therapy dog named Mabel has become a beloved feature of school life, offering comfort to students throughout the year.

Strong community connections define the school's identity. Students recently hosted Age UK Bermondsey for a Christmas lunch, and the school runs annual charity trips to Sri Lanka in partnership with the Yala Fund. The academy holds Stonewall School Champion status, reflecting its commitment to an inclusive environment. A third-place finish in the Sustainable London competition against 2,250 participants demonstrates that student initiative is encouraged and celebrated.

The school replaced Aylwin Girls' High School in 2006, transforming a struggling predecessor into an Outstanding institution. Since joining the Harris Federation, the academy has maintained its excellence while benefiting from shared resources and expertise across the trust's network of schools.

GCSE Performance

Harris Academy Bermondsey delivers strong results at GCSE. The Attainment 8 score of 54.6 is a strong headline measure, placing the school 893rd in England for GCSE academic performance and 8th among Southwark secondary schools for overall performance (FindMySchool ranking based on official data). This positions the academy comfortably within the stronger end of schools in England.

The Progress 8 score of +0.55 is particularly notable, indicating that students make well above average progress from their starting points. This value-added measure demonstrates that the school is adding significant value regardless of prior attainment. The EBacc average point score is 5.3.

A-Level Results

At A-level, 30% of grades achieved A*-B, with 10% at A*/A. These figures should be understood in context. The sixth form has 151 exam entries in the current data and serves a comprehensive intake rather than selecting only for academic ability. The school's emphasis on widening participation means supporting students who might not otherwise access post-16 education.

What matters is what happens next. Families should check the latest HAB6 destinations and retention information directly with the school, because progression can vary by cohort and pathway.

Teaching follows a structured approach with clear expectations. Students benefit from a timetable that provides 35 hours and 55 minutes of learning weekly. The longer Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday school days (finishing at 4pm rather than 3pm on Monday and Friday) allow for Period 6 sessions for older students.

Class sizes maintain an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio, enabling teachers to know their students well. Subject specialists teach their disciplines, and staff engage in ongoing professional development. The curriculum is designed to challenge students while providing appropriate support for those who need it.

For students who did not achieve grade 4 in English or Mathematics at GCSE, the sixth form provides additional study hours to achieve pass grades alongside their A-level or BTEC programmes. This reflects the school's commitment to leaving no student behind while maintaining progression standards.

Popular destinations for HAB6 leavers include higher education, apprenticeships and employment routes. Families should check the latest destination data and sixth-form guidance directly with the school, especially where Russell Group or highly competitive applications are a priority.

The Harris Federation runs the Harris Experience Advanced programme, providing specialist support for students targeting Russell Group universities. Students attend lectures at Russell Group institutions and receive tailored guidance for competitive applications. Across the Federation, students progress to Russell Group universities at more than twice the rate typical for similar cohorts.

Popular destinations for HAB6 leavers include a range of universities offering courses aligned to the school's strengths in humanities, sciences, and business. The dedicated UCAS support ensures students understand application processes and make informed choices.

Harris Academy Bermondsey admits girls into Year 7. Applications are made through Southwark Council's coordinated admissions system, and families should check the current deadline for the relevant September entry year.

The school is often oversubscribed. After places for students with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the academy, and for looked-after children, the oversubscription criteria prioritise:

1. Students with significant medical or social needs requiring this specific school (with professional documentation)
2. Siblings attending Harris Academy Bermondsey
3. Siblings attending Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich (the brother school)
4. Students from Harris Primary Academy Peckham Park
5. Children of staff members
6. Distance from the academy, measured by straight line

No last distance data is published, so parents should check with the school for indicative distances from previous years. The admissions criteria mean that the school serves both the immediate Bermondsey community and the wider Harris Federation family.

Sixth Form Entry

HAB6 welcomes both internal candidates progressing from Year 11 and external applicants. A-level subjects offered include English Literature, History, French, Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology. BTEC options include an Extended Diploma in Business Studies and CTEC Health and Social Care.

Entry requirements vary by course, and students should consult the course guide for specifics. Those without grade 4 in English or Mathematics at GCSE must complete additional study hours to achieve these qualifications.

Key Dates for Year 7 Entry

Families should check Southwark’s current coordinated admissions timetable for the application deadline, offer notification date and appeal deadline for the relevant September entry year.

Open events typically run in October. For 2025 entry, the main school held its final Open Morning on 15 October 2025 (9:15am to 10:30am), and the Sixth Form Open Event took place on 9 October 2025 (5pm to 6:30pm). Families interested in future open events should check the school website or contact the admissions team.

The academy takes student wellbeing seriously. Beyond the therapy dog Mabel, the school provides structured support through form tutors and a dedicated pastoral team. Students can access welfare services, and the school publishes clear safeguarding policies.

The emphasis on community and collaboration means students across year groups work together through enrichment clubs, creating a mentoring culture where older students support younger ones. The school's values of Compassion and Respect are lived rather than merely stated.

Behaviour is calm and orderly. The Ofsted inspection in February 2025 rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Outstanding, confirming that students feel safe and are eager to learn. Staff expectations are consistently high but delivered with care.

Extracurricular provision is extensive and distinctive. Every Wednesday afternoon from 3pm to 4pm, the enrichment programme runs across dozens of options. These include Art Club, Basketball, Book Club, Boxing, British Sign Language, Cricket, Drama Club, Debate Club, Digital Gaming Club, Guitar Club, Knitting and Crochet Club, Model United Nations, National Cipher Challenge, Public Speaking, and Swedish Massage for Health and Wellbeing.

Music

Music provision spans the week with opportunities for all abilities. Jazz Band meets Tuesday mornings at 8:30am, while Brass Ensemble and Percussion Club run Wednesday and Thursday mornings respectively. After school, Orchestra meets on Mondays, String Group on Thursdays, and Rock Band on Thursday evenings from 4pm to 5pm. Woodwind Ensemble runs on Fridays. Students also access steel pan, electric guitar, and violin tuition, with regular performance opportunities throughout the year.

Sport

The 3G pitch hosts football training through partnerships including Millwall Community Trust's Premier League Kicks programme. Two students, Naihara and Shardonae, represented the academy at the Girls Kicks Cup Tournament at St George's Park in 2024, demonstrating pathways to elite participation. Athletics coaching with Coach Simon runs on Mondays, while lunch and after-school sports sessions are available most days.

The school won the Sweaty Betty Foundation's Change Starts in the Changing Room competition, receiving £10,000 to redesign changing facilities. The award was presented by Olympic legend Dame Denise Lewis, highlighting the academy's success in promoting women's sport.

STEM

Science and technology feature prominently in the enrichment programme. The National Education Nature Park and Technology in Geography clubs reflect the school's commitment to environmental education. The academy achieved third place in the Sustainable London competition, and students engage with UKMT Mathematics Challenge and National Cipher Challenge at competitive levels.

Leadership and Enterprise

The Entrepreneurs Academies Challenge, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and Student Leadership Programme develop skills beyond the academic curriculum. All sixth form students follow a dedicated leadership pathway, building confidence and communication skills for future challenges.

The school day runs from 8:25am, with registration followed by lessons. On Mondays and Fridays, school finishes at 3pm. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the day extends to 4pm to accommodate Period 6 for Years 10, 11, and Post-16.

Years 7-9 have morning break at 10:00am and lunch from 12:20pm to 1pm. Years 10, 11, and Post-16 take a later break (11:00am to 11:20am) and lunch from 1:20pm to 2pm.

The academy is located at 55 Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey, SE16 3TZ. South Bermondsey station is nearby, and several bus routes serve the area. Tours can be arranged through the school office for families considering application.

Oversubscription pressure. Competition for Year 7 entry can be real. Families should understand the criteria carefully, particularly the sibling and feeder school priorities, which affect many places before distance is considered.

Smaller sixth form. The HAB6 cohort of around 30-40 students each year offers a close-knit environment but means fewer A-level subjects than larger sixth forms. Students seeking specific subjects should verify availability before applying.

A-level results context. The school’s current A-level grade profile is modest, with 30% of grades at A*-B and 10% at A*/A. This reflects the comprehensive intake rather than selective recruitment, so families should consider both raw grades and the wider progression support offered by the sixth form.

Longer school days. The extended Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday schedule finishing at 4pm may affect families with childcare commitments or students with significant external activities. However, the additional time enables valuable enrichment and Period 6 support.

Harris Academy Bermondsey delivers on its promise of being "uncompromising yet caring." Three consecutive Outstanding Ofsted ratings demonstrate sustained quality rather than a single inspection snapshot. Strong GCSE performance and genuine progress for students of all abilities make this a school where academic expectations are matched by pastoral support.

Best suited to girls and their families seeking a single-sex comprehensive with high expectations, a rich extracurricular programme, and a clear pathway to sixth form and beyond. The Harris Federation backing provides stability and shared resources, while the school maintains its distinctive community identity.

The main challenge is securing a place. Families within the Bermondsey area who value academic rigour balanced with genuine care, and who appreciate the benefits of single-sex education, should consider this Outstanding academy seriously.