Glenthorne High School

Arts specialism meets academic ambition in this high-performing comprehensive where nearly half of all GCSE grades hit 9-7 and the performing arts pipeline leads to conservatoires, Russell Group universities, and competitive apprenticeships alike. Glenthorne High School occupies a prominent position in the London Borough of Sutton, achieving results that place it comfortably within the top 11% of secondary schools in England for GCSE performance and the top 25% for A-levels. The school has grown from a small girls' school of under 400 pupils in 1958 to a thriving 1,780-strong academy with approximately 300 sixth formers. Dr S Peacock leads a school where the motto Achievement for All translates into genuine breadth: students secure places at Cambridge and Imperial College, dance conservatoires like The Place, and degree apprenticeships with Deloitte and Amazon.

Beyond the gates of the Sutton Common Road site, the atmosphere buzzes with creative energy. This is a school where the corridors display student artwork, where the sound of rehearsals drifts from specialist dance and drama studios, and where academic rigour sits alongside Artsmark Gold accreditation. The arts specialism is visible everywhere, from the 10% of students selected annually as performing arts ambassadors to the Saturday schools that draw young people from Year 3 upwards.

The school's history stretches back to 1933, when it was established on Glastonbury Road. The move to the current site came in 1958, when the institution was known as Sutton Common County Secondary Girls' School. Coeducation arrived in 1993, and academy conversion followed in 2011. The Diamond Jubilee of the current site was celebrated in 2018, marking six decades of continuous development. Today, the school operates as part of The Willow Learning Trust.

Behaviour and attitudes received an Outstanding judgement in the November 2021 Ofsted inspection, a recognition that staff credit to consistent expectations and a genuine sense of community. The pastoral structure includes dedicated heads of year from Year 7 through to Year 13, supported by a welfare team and three deputy designated safeguarding leads covering different key stages. Mrs M Alletson, Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion, serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Students describe a school where ambition is encouraged without pretension. The sixth form, also rated Outstanding by Ofsted, operates with a thriving community spirit that combines academic challenge with specialist academy pathways. Professional coaches and artists contribute to extra-curricular groups, bringing industry experience directly into student learning.

GCSE Results

Glenthorne's GCSE results place it firmly above the England average across all measures. In 2025, 48% of all grades awarded were 9-7, compared to the England average of 22%. The proportion achieving at least grade 5 in English and mathematics reached 74%, while 98% secured at least grade 4, against a national figure of 77%.

The school ranks 503rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official DfE data), placing it in the top 11% of secondary schools. Locally, Glenthorne ranks 7th among schools in Sutton. The Attainment 8 score of 60.8 sits well above average, while the Progress 8 score of +0.75 indicates that students make substantially more progress than would be expected from their starting points.

Science subjects perform particularly strongly. In 2025, 78% of Chemistry grades were 9-7, compared to the national average of 24%. Biology saw 73% achieve top grades against 28% nationally, and Physics reached 68% against 27% nationally. This consistent outperformance across the sciences reflects specialist teaching and high expectations.

Consistency characterises the results picture. The Attainment 8 score has held steady at 6.1 for three consecutive years, while grades 9-7 have fluctuated only marginally between 46% and 48%. This stability suggests embedded practice rather than year-on-year variation.

A-Level Results

At A-level, the school sits within the top 25% of sixth forms in England, ranking 642nd nationally (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it ranks 7th in Sutton for A-level outcomes. In 2025, 30% of grades were A*-A, above the national average of 28%. The proportion achieving A*-B reached 63%, compared to 55% nationally, while 100% of entries achieved at least a pass, against 97% nationally.

Year-on-year data shows A*-A grades moving from 32% in 2023 to 28% in 2024 and recovering to 30% in 2025. The overall pass rate at A*-C has gradually settled from 92% in 2023 to 86% in 2025, though this remains well above the national figure.

Several subjects achieved exceptional results. Dance recorded 100% A* grades in 2025. Drama and Theatre Studies saw 67% achieve A*-A, nearly triple the national average of 23%. Further Mathematics achieved 39% A* against 29% nationally. Biology reached 40% A*-A compared to 28% across England.

Core Maths, which all three A-level students must study alongside either the EPQ or Core Maths, delivered 95% grades A-B. Both supplementary qualifications are recommended by universities and may result in lower entrance offers.

University progression is strong, with 58% of the 2024 cohort moving directly into higher education. Glenthorne has helped students secure places at Cambridge, Imperial College, King's College London, UCL, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, Queen Mary, and York. In 2025, four students secured places to study Medicine.

The Oxbridge pipeline exists but is modest. In the measurement period, 14 students applied to Oxford or Cambridge, with one securing a place at Cambridge. This reflects the comprehensive nature of the intake rather than any lack of support for high-achieving students.

What distinguishes Glenthorne is the breadth of destinations. Recent leavers have progressed to ArtsEd, Rose Bruford, The Place, the Royal College of Music, and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. This demonstrates the school's success in preparing performing arts students for conservatoire-level study. Competitive apprenticeships feature too, with recent placements at Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, Pfizer, British Airways, Facebook, and the Cabinet Office.

The school reports that 90% of leavers achieved their preferred university or apprenticeship destination. A further 5% entered apprenticeships directly, while 18% moved into employment. Only 1% progressed to further education colleges, suggesting most students who remain in education do so at degree level.

Teaching follows a structured curriculum delivered by subject specialists across eighteen departments. The Ofsted inspection rated quality of education as Good, noting clear expectations and effective practice. Sciences are taught separately from Year 7, an approach reflected in the consistently strong examination results in these subjects.

The curriculum extends beyond standard offerings. Students can choose from 26 A-level subjects and four BTEC National Diploma qualifications. This combination allows students to pursue purely academic routes, entirely vocational pathways, or mixed programmes combining both. The option to take EPQ or Core Maths alongside three A-levels adds further breadth.

Specialist teaching in the arts shapes the character of learning. Practical classes in the Dance Academy are led by teachers trained at institutions including London Contemporary Dance School and the Laban Centre. Music instruction spans production, songwriting, and traditional performance. Drama teaching incorporates LAMDA qualifications and professional theatre visits at reduced prices.

Setting arrangements and intervention programmes support students across the ability range. The school describes a comprehensive programme of revision and intervention designed to help every student reach their potential. Mrs K Ward coordinates provision for students with special educational needs, supported by an ASD Base with capacity for up to 20 students.

The sixth form operates as a distinctive community within the school, with around 300 students and a dedicated leadership team. Ms J Bains serves as Director of Sixth Form alongside her role as Assistant Headteacher for STEM and IAG. Separate heads manage Year 12 and Year 13, allowing individualised support as students progress through post-16 study.

Entry requirements are detailed in the school's Sixth Form Entry Criteria document. Applications open at 6pm on 8th October 2025, with internal applicants submitting by 17th November and external applicants by 1st December. Interviews take place in late January 2026, with offers following in March.

The Football Academy and Dance Academy offer vocational pathways alongside academic study. The Dance Academy is a two-year course leading to the Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performance (Dance), equivalent to one A-level. Students train across contemporary, ballet, jazz, and street dance styles, working toward careers in dance and applications to conservatoires. Audition workshops determine entry, with applicants requiring at least grade 5 in GCSE English Language and either grade 6 in GCSE Dance or equivalent practical experience.

Progression Pathway lessons run from Year 12, providing dedicated curriculum time for career planning and university preparation. This structured approach has delivered results: in recent years students have secured places at both Oxbridge and Russell Group universities alongside conservatoire and apprenticeship routes.

Year 7 entry is highly competitive. With 1,867 applications for 237 offers, the school is significantly oversubscribed, receiving nearly eight applications for every place. All applicants must sit English and mathematics banding tests held on Saturday 22nd November 2025 (or Friday 28th November as a contingency). The banding system distributes applicants across nine ability bands to ensure a comprehensive intake.

The school has 247 Year 7 places for September 2026, including up to 24 for students with aptitude in the performing arts and up to 4 for the ASD Base. Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming Glenthorne are allocated places before other criteria apply.

Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after and previously looked-after children, then siblings of current students, then children of staff employed for at least two years. Within each category, distance from the school serves as the tiebreaker. Applications are made through the Common Application Form to the home local authority, with a deadline of Friday 31st October 2025. National Offer Day is Monday 2nd March 2026.

Performing arts aptitude places require separate registration. Online registration closes at midnight on Friday 19th September 2025, with workshops held on Saturday 11th October 2025. These 24 places are allocated to students demonstrating aptitude in music, dance, or drama.

Sixth form admissions operate directly through the school. External applicants have until 1st December 2025 to apply, with interviews determining offers based on predicted or achieved GCSE grades.

The pastoral structure reflects the school's scale and ambition. Each year group has a dedicated head of year, from Year 7 through to Year 13. The welfare team provides additional support, while three deputy designated safeguarding leads cover Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and post-16 respectively. This layered approach ensures that safeguarding concerns can be identified and addressed at every level.

The Outstanding rating for behaviour and attitudes in the 2021 Ofsted inspection reflects a consistent approach to expectations. Students describe feeling supported and knowing where to turn when difficulties arise. The sixth form's community spirit extends to peer support, with older students contributing to the culture of care.

Mrs M Alletson, Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion, coordinates the safeguarding team and oversees provision for students with additional needs. The ASD Base, with capacity for 22 students across the school, provides resourced provision for those with mild autistic spectrum conditions.

The Arts

The performing arts specialism permeates school life. Selected students, approximately 10% of the cohort, serve as ambassadors in dance, drama, or music, participating in enhanced programmes and representing the school at events. Three dance performance groups operate by year level: Junior (Years 7-8), Senior (Years 9-10), and Principal (Years 11-13). Rehearsals happen weekly after school, and groups perform at the Whole School Production, IMPACT Dance Show, and INSPIRE Summer Showcase. Competition opportunities include the London Youth Games and performances at venues such as Battersea Arts Centre.

Drama provision includes Spotlight sessions for Years 7 and 8 on Tuesday lunchtimes, the Senior Drama Company for Years 9 and 10 on Fridays after school, and opportunities in the Junior Drama Company, LAMDA club, and Actor Boys. Two annual showcases, at Christmas and during the Summer Arts Festival, give performance experience to all selected drama students. Access to reduced-price London theatre tickets enriches the curriculum.

Music students can join the Orchestra, Jazz Band, ArtsOne Rocks, and the Audacity Choir. Performance opportunities include seasonal concerts (Winter, Spring, Summer, Rising Stars) and school events such as Glenthorne Celebrates and Glastonthorne. Selected musicians perform at prestige events including the Year 7 Welcome Evening and Prospectus Parents Evening.

ArtsOne, the Saturday Performing Arts School, extends provision beyond the school day. Running from Year 3 upwards, ArtsOne offers drama, dance, and music sessions where students prepare termly performances for large audiences. The programme emphasises creativity, ambitious projects, and personal goal-setting.

Sport

Sporting provision includes a Sports Hall, health and fitness gym, grass pitches, and a studio. The Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), part of recent facilities investment, extends outdoor options. Professional coaches support extra-curricular groups, and the Football Academy offers sixth form students a pathway combining academic study with structured training.

A wide range of sporting clubs operates throughout the week. Challenge Week engages over 200 Key Stage 3 students in house camping challenges and adventure activities. National and international trips extend experiences beyond the local area.

STEM

Science facilities have benefited from recent investment, including two new science classrooms. The strong examination performance in chemistry, biology, and physics reflects both teaching quality and facility provision. Further Mathematics achieves exceptional results, with 39% securing A* grades against 29% nationally.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:15pm. The site is located on Sutton Common Road, accessible from Sutton Common or Morden South stations. There is no on-site nursery or primary provision; this is a secondary school with sixth form only.

Term dates for 2026 include Spring Term from Monday 5th January to Friday 27th March (half term 16-20th February), Summer Term from Monday 13th April to Friday 17th July (half term 25-29th May), and Autumn Term from Tuesday 1st September to Friday 18th December (half term 26-30th October).

Highly competitive entry. With nearly eight applications for every Year 7 place, securing admission is the primary challenge. The banding system ensures comprehensive intake but does not reduce overall demand. Families should consider this a competitive choice rather than an assumed local option.

Performing arts aptitude route. The 24 places allocated through performing arts aptitude offer an alternative entry pathway, but require early registration (September) and workshop attendance (October). Students without genuine aptitude in music, dance, or drama should not pursue this route.

Sutton grammar school context. Glenthorne operates within a borough that includes several selective grammar schools. Families seeking a non-selective comprehensive while remaining in Sutton will find this an attractive option, but should understand that some peers will pursue grammar school places, creating a mixed culture around Year 6 preparation.

Distance as tiebreaker. No last distance offered figure is published, but distance determines priority within oversubscription criteria after siblings and staff children. Families outside the immediate vicinity face reduced chances of securing a place.

Glenthorne delivers comprehensive education with genuine distinction. The combination of GCSE results in the top 11% of England schools, an Outstanding-rated sixth form, and a performing arts specialism that leads to conservatoire places makes this an unusually broad proposition. Academic ambition sits comfortably alongside creative excellence; students can pursue medicine at Imperial College or dance at The Place with equal support.

Best suited to families seeking strong results without selection, particularly those whose children have genuine artistic interests or who value a school where the performing arts are embedded rather than marginal. The main challenge is entry. For families who secure a place, the educational experience is exceptional.