South Bank University Academy Review 2026: STEM Focused Education in the Heart of Southwark

In the shadow of the Elephant and Castle regeneration area, South Bank University Academy serves a diverse urban community with an explicit focus on professional pathways. As a member of the LSBU Group, the academy is sponsored by London South Bank University, creating a direct bridge between secondary education and higher learning. The school occupies a modern, multi story campus on Trafalgar Street, designed to accommodate 900 students across the 11 to 19 age range.

Under the leadership of Principal Annette Moses, who took office to drive rapid improvement, the academy has established a culture of high expectations within a supportive framework. The most recent Ofsted inspection in December 2024 confirmed the school remains Good, with the report officially published in January 2025. Inspectors noted the positive relationships between staff and students and the clear focus on career readiness. The academy serves as a local hub for families seeking a curriculum that blends traditional academic subjects with technical and creative opportunities.

The academy reflects the energy of its Southwark surroundings. The building is designed with professional environments in mind, featuring glass-walled learning zones and open plan social spaces that feel more like a modern college than a traditional Victorian school. This physical environment supports the school's aim to treat students as young professionals from the moment they enter Year 7.

The LSBU Group sponsorship is central to the academy's identity. This partnership provides students with access to university level facilities and expertise, particularly in engineering and health sciences. The school's values of Social Justice, Resilience, and Creativity are woven into the daily routine, with a strong emphasis on community service and local engagement.

Student life is characterised by a sense of purpose. The academy operates a longer school day than many neighbouring schools, reflecting its commitment to providing a broad curriculum alongside intensive support for core subjects. This structure allows for a dedicated period of enrichment and independent study time, helping students manage their workload within the school day.

The academy's academic performance tells a story of steady progress in a competitive London landscape. In the most recent results period, South Bank University Academy ranked 2368th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a solid and consistent academic baseline. Locally, the school ranks 19th in Southwark for GCSE performance.

The average Attainment 8 score is 44.4, which is broadly comparable to the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.16 suggests that students make progress slightly below the England average from their starting points, though this figure masks significant strengths in specific technical and vocational subjects. Approximately 11.7% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), reflecting the school's flexible approach to curriculum pathways.

At A-level and Post-16, the academy ranks 2544th in England and 18th in Southwark. While the percentage of students achieving top A*-B grades is lower than some selective alternatives at 9.1%, the academy focuses heavily on value-added progress for students who may have faced educational challenges earlier in their schooling.

Teaching at the academy is built around the South Bank Learning Framework, which emphasises inquiry-based learning and the application of knowledge. The curriculum is broad in the lower years, ensuring all students have a strong foundation in English, Mathematics, and Science before specialising in Key Stage 4.

Specialist teaching is a hallmark of the academy, particularly in STEM and the creative arts. The school uses its university links to bring industry professionals into the classroom, providing students with real-world contexts for their studies. In the Sixth Form, the offering includes a mix of traditional A-levels and BTEC National qualifications, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.

The academy provides extensive support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Small group interventions and a dedicated learning support team ensure that the curriculum remains accessible to all.

STEM: Innovation and Professional Pathways

As part of a university-sponsored trust, STEM is the academy's primary academic pillar. The school features industry-standard science laboratories and a dedicated engineering suite equipped with CAD/CAM technology and 3D printers.

Students participate in trust-wide STEM challenges and have the opportunity to work on projects mentored by university academics. The Formula 24 Greenpower racing team is a particular highlight, allowing students to design, build, and race electric cars, fostering skills in mechanical engineering and team collaboration.

Where Students Go Next

The academy is highly effective in supporting students into positive destinations after the age of 18. For the 2024 leavers, 61% progressed to university, a significant achievement for a non-selective urban academy. The university pipeline is supported by the LSBU partnership, which provides students with clear pathways into higher education.

Apprenticeships are a notable strength, with 16% of leavers securing placements, well above the typical average for London schools. This reflects the academy's success in preparing students for professional environments. Additionally, 13% of students entered direct employment, while 2% moved into further education colleges.

During the most recent measurement period, three students submitted applications to Oxford or Cambridge. While no offers were secured in this specific cycle, the school continues to support high-aspirant students through its university transition programmes.

South Bank University Academy is part of the Pan-London Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme. For Year 7 entry, applications must be made via the Southwark Local Authority common application form.

The academy is increasingly popular with local families. Data indicates the school is oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 5.31 applications for every available place. This reflects the growing reputation of the academy within the Elephant and Castle community.

For Year 12 entry, the academy welcomes both internal and external applicants. Entry requirements are typically five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, with specific grade requirements for certain A-level subjects.

Pastoral care is organised through a vertical house system, which helps create a smaller school feel within the larger building. Each student has a personal tutor who acts as the primary point of contact for families.

The academy takes a proactive approach to wellbeing, with a dedicated pastoral support team that includes non-teaching heads of year and a school counsellor. The "Global Citizens" programme focuses on personal development, covering topics from mental health to financial literacy. Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and sanctions, with a focus on restorative justice and mutual respect.

Extracurricular life is designed to broaden horizons and build social capital. The academy offers a wide range of clubs, including the Debate Mate programme, which has seen the school compete at a high level in London-wide competitions.

The creative arts are well-supported, with regular theatre trips and a vibrant music department that offers tuition in various instruments. Sports provision includes basketball, football, and athletics, taking advantage of local facilities in Southwark. The academy also encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, helping students develop resilience and leadership skills through outdoor expeditions.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded academy; there are no tuition fees for students. As a mainstream state school, it provides a high-quality education free of charge to all eligible pupils.

The school provides support for students from lower-income backgrounds through the Pupil Premium grant, which funds additional academic support, uniform assistance, and subsidies for school trips. For post-16 students, the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is available to help with the costs of travel, books, and equipment.

The academy operates a slightly extended school day, typically running from 8:30am until 3:30pm, with extracurricular clubs extending until 4:30pm on most days. Being in Elephant and Castle, the school is exceptionally well-served by public transport. Elephant and Castle station (Northern and Bakerloo lines, plus Thameslink) is a five-minute walk away, and numerous bus routes pass through the immediate area.

The academy does not provide an on-site breakfast club but offers a range of healthy snacks during the morning break. Lunch is eaten in the communal dining area, with a focus on nutritional balance.

• Professional atmosphere: The academy feels more like a workplace or college than a traditional school. While this suits students who are ready for independence, it may feel less familiar to those seeking a more conventional secondary environment.
• STEM focus: While the curriculum is broad, the strongest facilities and deepest partnerships are in STEM subjects. Students with a primary interest in the humanities or classical languages may find more extensive offerings elsewhere.
• Urban setting: The school occupies a compact site in a busy part of London. Outdoor space is used efficiently, but it does not have the sprawling playing fields of suburban schools; sport often takes place at off-site local facilities.

South Bank University Academy is a forward-thinking institution that successfully leverages its university links to provide genuine professional opportunities for its students. It is a school that understands its urban context and works hard to ensure its students are not just academically prepared, but professionally ready for the world beyond the gates. Best suited to ambitious students who thrive in a modern, purposeful environment and are looking for clear pathways into STEM careers or higher education.