In the leafy streets of East Dulwich, where Victorian terraces give way to quiet residential roads, Harris Girls' Academy delivers something rare: a state school rated Outstanding across every Ofsted category, with results placing it in the top 3% of schools in England for five consecutive years. The 837 students here benefit from an all-girls environment through to Year 11, then join a mixed sixth form shared with neighbouring Harris Boys' Academy. The academy's motto, Character, Courage, Conscience, speaks to an ethos that values personal development as highly as examination success. For families in Southwark seeking exceptional state education without the independent school price tag, this academy represents a compelling option.
The academy occupies a spacious site on Homestall Road, where Gibbs House, the oldest building on campus, houses the music and drama departments alongside the main assembly hall. The grounds are extensive for an inner-London school, providing space that many urban secondaries lack.
Principal Jo Young has led the academy since September 2022, succeeding Carrie Senior. Under her leadership, the school has maintained its Outstanding status and continued its trajectory of strong results. The Harris Federation, of which this academy has been a member since converting from the former Waverley School in 2006, provides the structural support and shared resources that underpin the school's success.
Students move through well-ordered corridors with a sense of purpose. Behaviour is calm and expectations are clear. The single-sex environment through Key Stage 3 and 4 creates a learning atmosphere where girls feel comfortable participating without the social dynamics that mixed settings can bring. Staff know students well, and the coaching system provides regular pastoral contact.
The school specialises in enterprise, health sciences, and sport, giving it a distinctive character beyond the standard curriculum. These specialisms inform enrichment programmes and shape opportunities beyond the classroom.
Academic outcomes at Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich are strong. The school ranks 905th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably within the top 25% of secondary schools. Within Southwark, it sits 10th among local secondaries, a creditable position in a borough known for strong school performance.
The Attainment 8 score of 53.7 reflects the breadth and depth of achievement. Students here leave with qualifications across a full range of subjects, with nearly all entered for the English Baccalaureate suite. The EBacc entry rate of 89% far exceeds the England average of 39%, demonstrating the school's commitment to an academic curriculum.
More telling than raw attainment is the Progress 8 score of +0.40, indicating that students make significantly more progress than their peers with similar starting points elsewhere. The government categorises this as "well above average" progress. Pupils here achieve, on average, over half a grade higher in each qualification compared to similar students across the country.
The sixth form, shared with Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich, operates as part of the wider Harris Federation Sixth Form network. This structure allows students to access subjects across multiple sites, broadening options beyond what a single school could offer.
A-level results show 43% of grades at A*-B and 15% at A*-A. While these figures sit below the England averages, they should be understood in context. The sixth form maintains an inclusive entry policy, welcoming students who might not gain places at more selective post-16 providers. The academy prioritises broadening access to academic study rather than cherry-picking only the highest achievers.
In 2025, the sixth form achieved 32% A*-A grades and 47% A*-B grades, representing improvement on prior years. Most significantly, Margot Henderson became the academy's first student to secure a place at Oxford University, where she will read History of Art at Wadham College. This milestone reflects the school's growing capacity to support the most ambitious students through competitive university applications.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
42.99%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Key Stage 3 provides a broad foundation. Students receive four hours weekly each in mathematics, English, and science, with two hours each for history, geography, and a modern foreign language (French or Spanish). Art, music, drama, and design technology complete the creative offering.
Teaching follows structured approaches with clear expectations. Every pupil in lower school learns to play a musical instrument, a commitment that extends cultural capital regardless of family background. Specialist subject teaching begins from Year 7, with staff who demonstrate deep knowledge in their fields.
At Key Stage 4, students take a core of mathematics, English, combined or triple science, and either history or geography, plus a modern foreign language. Two option subjects allow for specialisation. The overwhelming emphasis on academic GCSEs prepares students well for A-level study or competitive apprenticeships.
The sixth form offers 15 A-level subjects including biology, business, psychology, and Spanish, alongside vocational Level 3 qualifications in areas such as health and social care and sports studies. Students can follow purely academic, purely vocational, or mixed pathways according to their aspirations and aptitudes.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
The 2024 leavers data shows 54% of sixth form students progressed to university, with a further 6% entering further education and 2% starting apprenticeships. Employment accounted for 19% of destinations, reflecting the diverse pathways students pursue.
The landmark Oxford acceptance in 2025 signals growing ambition in university preparation. While specific Russell Group percentages are not published, the school provides targeted support for competitive applications through its sixth form masterclass programme.
Students benefit from careers guidance woven throughout their time at the academy. Work experience placements, careers education through coaching time, and engagement with external organisations prepare students for whatever route they choose.
Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich admits 150 students to Year 7 each September, with applications coordinated through Southwark Council rather than directly to the school. The academy is consistently oversubscribed, with 470 applications for 139 places recorded in recent data, representing approximately 3.4 applications per place.
After children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, and looked-after children, places are allocated according to the academy's oversubscription criteria. The admissions policy documents for 2026, 2027, and 2028 entry are available on the school website.
Key dates for September 2026 entry:
The academy maintains a waiting list for each year group. Families who do not receive an offer but wish to remain on the waiting list should contact the school promptly. In-year admissions for Years 8-11 are managed directly by the academy, with students assessed to determine appropriate class placement.
The sixth form admits 20 external candidates annually to Year 12, alongside internal progression from Year 11. Entry requirements follow standard Harris Federation expectations, typically requiring strong GCSE grades in subjects intended for A-level study.
Open events typically run in September, with open mornings in 2025 held on 22nd September, 29th September, and 6th October. Dates for 2026 events will be published on the school website. Tours can be arranged by contacting the school directly.
Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to verify their distance from the school gates when considering applications. Admissions patterns vary annually, and while distance priority applies after other criteria, living close does not guarantee a place.
Applications
470
Total received
Places Offered
139
Subscription Rate
3.4x
Apps per place
The coaching system places every student in a small group that meets regularly with a designated coach. This structure ensures pastoral oversight is consistent and personalised rather than relying solely on form tutors managing large groups.
Mental health awareness features prominently. The school celebrates Blue Monday with activities promoting positive wellbeing, providing free hot chocolate and treats as part of a broader programme addressing student mental health. Anti-bullying week sees whole-school campaigns addressing cyberbullying and inclusion.
The December 2023 Ofsted inspection rated personal development as Outstanding. Students feel supported and know where to turn when they need help. The single-sex environment through Key Stage 3 and 4 creates space for girls to develop confidence without some of the pressures present in mixed settings.
Extracurricular life at Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich is varied and accessible. The school explicitly states that "it does not matter about previous experience or ability, everyone is welcome" to participate in clubs and activities.
The Debate Mate programme has a long-standing history of success, with senior members achieving national and regional finalist status. This club develops the skills of argumentation, research, and public speaking that serve students well beyond school.
The academy's specialism in sport manifests in excellent facilities and opportunities. Harris Fitness provides leisure facilities open to the community, operating Monday to Friday from 4:30pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Sports on offer include gymnastics, yoga, taekwondo, ballet, football, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, and Zumba. The volleyball team features prominently in school communications, and after-school boxing sessions attract around 20 students from across Key Stages 3 and 4 each week.
Elite pathways exist for talented athletes. The Harris Federation Kinetic Foundation Scholarship supports promising footballers, while partnerships with Peckham Allstars Netball Camp and Crossfire Badminton Club provide advanced coaching for selected students.
Every Key Stage 3 student learns a musical instrument, democratising access to music education. The Glee Club performs for the school community, and students participate in the Harris Federation Festival of Music.
Drama is taught to all students at Key Stage 3, with the curriculum designed to build self-belief and confidence. The Donmar Warehouse theatre has collaborated with the drama department on devising new work about climate change, giving students exposure to professional theatre-making.
Music and drama are housed in Gibbs House, the historic building at the heart of the campus.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme runs across bronze, silver, and gold levels. Student leadership opportunities include Head Girl positions and representation in school decision-making.
Sixth form enrichment includes weekly activities such as law society participation and first aid training. These complement academic study and develop skills valued by universities and employers.
Clubs change each half term, with current offerings including coding, gardening, STEM, football, yoga, upcycling, rock climbing, and more. If six or more students express interest, new clubs can be established.
Over 50% of students experience at least one educational trip annually. Recent visits include Harry Potter World for Year 7 and a Wuthering Heights English Literature residential. The school explicitly prioritises ensuring all students benefit equally from enrichment experiences, tackling the inequality that can arise when trips rely heavily on family contributions.
School gates open at 7:30am, with breakfast served in the canteen from 7:30am to 8:20am. Every student is entitled to free porridge daily at breakfast. Gates close at 8:27am, with the school day formally beginning at 8:30am.
Key Stage 3 students finish at 3:10pm daily, accumulating 33 hours 20 minutes of learning time weekly. Key Stage 4 and 5 students have extended days on Mondays and Thursdays, finishing at 4:10pm and 3:30pm respectively on those days. Year 11 students receive 34 hours 40 minutes of learning time weekly.
The library is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Wednesday and 7:30am to 4:30pm on Thursday and Friday, providing supervised study space before and after school.
The academy is located at Homestall Road, East Dulwich, London, SE22 0NR. East Dulwich rail station is the nearest transport hub, with numerous bus routes serving the area.
Oversubscription pressure. With approximately 3.4 applications for every place, securing Year 7 entry is competitive. Families without other priority criteria should research admissions patterns carefully and consider backup options.
Sixth form results context. While A-level results are improving, they currently sit below England averages. Families focused primarily on A-level outcomes should weigh this against the school's strong GCSE performance and inclusive sixth form ethos.
Single-sex to mixed transition. Students experience an all-girls environment through Year 11, then join a mixed sixth form. Some students adjust to this transition more readily than others.
Harris Federation structure. As an academy within a large multi-academy trust, strategic decisions are made at federation level. Families who prefer schools with greater local autonomy should understand this governance model.
Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich delivers genuinely Outstanding state education in one of London's most sought-after residential areas. The combination of strong GCSE results, excellent progress measures, and a comprehensive enrichment programme makes it a compelling choice for families in Southwark.
The school excels at adding value. Students arrive with varying prior attainment and leave having made progress significantly above the average. The single-sex environment through Key Stage 4 serves many girls well, creating space for academic and personal development.
Best suited to families in Southwark seeking academic rigour within a supportive, all-girls comprehensive. The competition for places is the main barrier; the education that follows is exceptional for the state sector.
Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.
Yes. The school was rated Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in December 2023, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision. It has been in the top 3% of schools in England for five consecutive years. The Progress 8 score of +0.40 means students make significantly more progress than similar students elsewhere.
Applications for Year 7 entry are made through Southwark Council, not directly to the school. Submit your application via the Southwark admissions portal by the October deadline for September entry. The academy admits 150 students annually and is typically oversubscribed.
The school achieves strong GCSE results, ranking in the top 25% of secondary schools in England. The Attainment 8 score of 53.7 exceeds the England average, and 89% of students are entered for the English Baccalaureate. The Progress 8 score of +0.40 indicates students make well above average progress.
Yes. The academy operates a mixed sixth form shared with Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich, as part of the wider Harris Federation Sixth Form network. It admits 20 external candidates annually alongside internal progression. Students can access subjects across multiple Harris sites, broadening options.
Yes. The academy receives approximately 3.4 applications for every available place. After students with EHCPs naming the school and looked-after children, places are allocated according to oversubscription criteria in the admissions policy.
The academy offers extensive extracurricular provision including Debate Mate (with national finalists), volleyball, boxing, Duke of Edinburgh, coding, STEM, gardening, Glee Club, and many more. Every Key Stage 3 student learns a musical instrument. Clubs change each half term and new clubs can be requested.
Get in touch with the school directly
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