Harris Academy Battersea Review 2026: Academic Ambition in the Heart of Wandsworth

In the shadow of Battersea Power Station and a short walk from the Thames, Harris Academy Battersea has undergone one of the most significant transformations in London’s educational landscape. Once a school facing substantial challenges as Battersea Park School, it is now an oversubscribed powerhouse that consistently outperforms national expectations. As a co-educational state academy serving students aged 11 to 19, it combines a highly structured environment with a curriculum designed to propel students into top tier universities. The school’s most recent GCSE results place it in the top 25% of schools in England, reflecting a culture where high aspirations are the standard rather than the exception.

The atmosphere at Harris Academy Battersea is one of quiet, directed energy. There is a palpable sense of purpose that begins at the school gates on Battersea Park Road and continues throughout the day. This is a school that values order and consistency, providing a stable platform for students from a wide range of backgrounds to focus entirely on their studies.

The leadership team is headed by Executive Principal Peter Groves and Head of Academy Steven Hinz, who was appointed in September 2025. They maintain the rigorous standards established by their predecessors, including a famous ban on shrugging and eye rolling that once made national headlines. The school is part of the Harris Federation, a multi academy trust known for its disciplined approach and focus on social mobility. This connection is visible in the shared values of the academy, where students are encouraged to be courageous and resilient. The physical environment is modern and well maintained, with specialist facilities that support a broad academic and creative curriculum.

Academic performance at Harris Academy Battersea tells a story of significant value added. For GCSE outcomes, the school ranks 973th in England (FindMySchool ranking) and 12th among secondary schools in Wandsworth. This places Harris Academy Battersea comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong band). The average Attainment 8 score of 51.4 is significantly higher than the England average of 45.9.

Progress is particularly notable, with a Progress 8 score of +0.32. This indicates that students here make nearly a third of a grade more progress across their subjects than similar students in other schools. In the EBacc subjects, 32.1% of students achieved a grade 5 or above, surpassing the England average of 25.1%.

At A level, the academy maintains a solid performance, ranking 1382nd in England and 9th in Wandsworth. Nearly 44% of A level entries achieved A* to B grades. While the school's A level percentile sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), its focus remains on ensuring every student reaches a university destination that matches their potential.

Teaching is characterised by high levels of expert subject knowledge and a common pedagogical approach across departments. The curriculum is traditional and academically rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science. In the lower years, the focus is on building a secure foundation of knowledge, which allows for deeper exploration as students move toward their GCSEs.

In the Sixth Form, the offering is broad, with over 20 A level subjects available alongside high quality vocational options. Class sizes in the post-16 phase are typically smaller, allowing for the intensive, seminar style discussion necessary for success in subjects like History, Economics, and the Sciences. The school uses a "no excuses" policy toward homework and punctuality, which students generally accept as part of the deal for the high quality instruction they receive.

Where Students Go Next

The academy is a significant engine for social mobility, with a high proportion of students progressing to higher education. For the 2023/24 leavers cohort, 68% of students progressed to university. The school actively supports applications to competitive institutions, which is reflected in its Oxbridge pipeline. In the most recent measurement period, nine students submitted applications to Oxford or Cambridge, resulting in one successful acceptance at the University of Cambridge.

Beyond university, 4% of leavers moved into apprenticeships and 13% into direct employment. The school’s dedicated careers team provides structured support from Year 7 through to Year 13, including mock interviews and networking events with professionals from the City and the local Battersea business community.

Securing a place at Harris Academy Battersea is increasingly difficult due to its reputation for strong results. The school is oversubscribed, with the most recent data showing a subscription proportion of 2.27, meaning there are more than two applications for every available place.

In 2024, the last distance offered was 7.663 miles, although it is important to note that Wandsworth's admissions criteria often involve a banding system to ensure a truly comprehensive intake. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents looking to assess their chances should consult the Wandsworth local authority admissions brochure and use the FindMySchool Map Search to view historic patterns.

While the school is known for its academic rigour, it operates with a strong pastoral backbone. The house system provides a sense of belonging within the larger school community, with regular inter house competitions and assemblies. Pastoral support is proactive; the school identifies students who may be falling behind or struggling emotionally and provides targeted interventions.

The behaviour policy is clear and consistently applied by all staff, which creates an environment where students feel safe and respected. Bullying is rare and dealt with swiftly when it occurs. Mentoring programmes, often involving older students supporting younger peers, help to foster a culture of mutual responsibility.

The extracurricular life of the academy is designed to broaden horizons and build character. The school offers a diverse range of clubs, with particular strengths in debating, music, and the arts.

STEM

STEM is a significant pillar of the school’s extracurricular offering. Students participate in the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) challenges and have access to coding clubs and robotics workshops. The academy frequently hosts guest speakers from the engineering and technology sectors, often leveraging its proximity to major London developments.

Sports also play a central role, with students competing in London wide fixtures in football, netball, and basketball. The school makes excellent use of local facilities, including Battersea Park, for its physical education programme.

The school day typically runs from 8:25am to 3:10pm, though many students stay later for supervised study or clubs. The academy is excellently served by transport links, with Battersea Park and Queenstown Road stations nearby, providing easy access from across Wandsworth and Central London. For families comparing local options, the Comparison Tool on the Wandsworth Local Hub page allows for a side by side view of Harris Battersea against other local providers.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. As part of the Harris Federation, the school receives standard state funding and targets this resources toward high standards and support for struggling pupils. Families may need to budget for uniform, which is strictly enforced, and optional school trips.

• Rigid Behaviour Policy: The school operates with a high level of discipline and a strict uniform code. While this creates a focused learning environment, it may feel too restrictive for students who thrive in more informal settings.
• Oversubscribed: With more than two applicants per place, securing a Year 7 spot is a significant challenge. Families should have a clear "Plan B" and check their precise distance from the school gates. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Academic Pressure: The academy is unapologetically ambitious. The pace is fast, and the expectations for independent study are high, particularly in the Sixth Form. Students who struggle with academic pressure may require additional support from home.

Harris Academy Battersea is an exceptional example of what can be achieved with high expectations and a structured environment. It is a school that refuses to be defined by its postcode, instead defining itself by the quality of its outcomes and the destinations of its leavers. Best suited to hard working students who want to be pushed academically and who appreciate a clear, disciplined framework. For families who secure a place, the educational experience is transformative.