Paddington Academy Review 2026: Consistently Outstanding Results in Inner London

In the heart of Maida Vale, where the school's academy opened in 2006, Paddington Academy has transformed from a satisfactory start into one of London's most sought-after comprehensives. Since earning the Outstanding rating in 2011, the school has maintained that judgment through 2023, placing it among fewer than 10% of schools in England to achieve consistent excellence across multiple inspections. With 1,260 students aged 11-18, the academy ranks 765th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably in the top 17% of secondary schools. The 2025 results proved the strongest in the school's history: an Attainment 8 score of 61.5, with 77% achieving grades 5 and above in both English and Mathematics. In the sixth form, 85% of A-level grades reached A*-C, with an exceptional 45% of Year 13 leavers progressing to Russell Group universities.

Past the gates, the organised pace of school life is immediately evident. Students move briskly between lessons, uniforms are worn with consistency, and the three core values, hard work, integrity, and excellence, are threaded through daily interactions. The academy occupies a modern campus in Westminster, a diverse inner-London location where nearly 98% of pupils come from ethnic minority backgrounds, creating a genuinely multicultural learning community.

Mrs Katie Gillam has led the school since 2016, steering it through its transition to one of the city's most selective (though technically non-selective) state secondaries. Her leadership emphasises high expectations delivered with genuine care. Teachers consistently reference the school's relentless focus on both academic rigour and character development. The atmosphere is purposeful without being cold; students describe feeling challenged and supported simultaneously.

The school's Christian character is woven throughout without dominance. Chapel services happen regularly, but the religious identity serves as a framework for values rather than a barrier to entry. For a state school serving a deeply diverse community, the balance feels thoughtful and inclusive.

GCSE Performance

The most recent GCSE results demonstrate sustained excellence. In 2024, 36% of grades reached 9-7, with an average Attainment 8 score of 58. The Progress 8 figure of +0.85 indicates that pupils make significantly above-average progress from their starting points, demonstrating the school's capacity to move students forward regardless of prior attainment. This is particularly notable given that nearly 50% of students are eligible for free school meals, suggesting the school adds genuine value for disadvantaged learners.

Paddington Academy ranks 765th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it among the top 17% of secondary schools. Locally, the school sits 10th among Westminster schools, making it one of the borough's highest-performing state comprehensives.

Beyond headline grades, the school's strength in the English Baccalaureate is evident, with 48% of pupils achieving grades 5 and above across the EBacc suite. This breadth, ensuring pupils study sciences, languages, and humanities alongside core subjects, reflects the school's commitment to a full, rounded curriculum rather than gaming results through narrow subject selection.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form delivers results of genuine note. In 2024, 74% of A-level grades reached A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The school ranks 362nd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 14% of sixth form providers. Locally, it ranks 8th among Westminster institutions.

A-level subjects span the traditional academic range, with particular depth in STEM, humanities, and languages. Uptake in subjects like Further Mathematics, Psychology, and Government & Politics suggests engaged sixth formers pursuing genuine intellectual interest rather than purely instrumental choices.

Teaching prioritises depth over coverage. The curriculum follows the national framework while rejecting superficiality. In lessons across the school, teachers use structured questioning to expose gaps in understanding, adapt explanations when concepts remain unclear, and set work that challenges rather than simply tests.

The school places enormous emphasis on reading and literacy. The library opens daily and encourages wide reading. Staff model engagement with texts and ideas. For a school serving a community where English is a second language for many pupils, this focus on language acquisition is strategic and essential.

Assessment is continuous and purposeful. Rather than relying on end-of-year exams, teachers use quizzes, mini-tests, and formative feedback to track progress. The school's emphasis on "self-quizzing" and spaced repetition reflects current evidence on effective learning, applied systematically across all subjects.

Homework is expected and monitored. From Year 7, students develop independent study habits through structured homework routines. By Year 11, these habits support both exam preparation and genuine learning.

University Progression

The school's university pipeline is one of its defining strengths. In 2024, 63% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with a remarkable 45% securing places at Russell Group institutions. Beyond this headline, the destinations reveal the school's genuine academic reach: Imperial College, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, and Warwick feature regularly among destinations. Eight students secured Oxbridge places in the measurement period, evidence of the school's capacity to prepare students for the most competitive applications.

The "Getting University Ready" programme, integrated into sixth form life, supports students through applications, interview preparation, and subject exploration. This systematic approach reflects the school's understanding that university progression requires structured support, not just high grades.

For students at age 16, progression to the school's sixth form is heavily oversubscribed, with 70% of Year 11 students choosing to continue internally. This suggests strong satisfaction with the transition from GCSE to A-level within the same institution.

Sports and Physical Excellence

Sport is woven throughout school life, with mandatory participation for all students in Years 7-9. The school offers competitive pathways in football, basketball, cricket, touch rugby, and athletics. Football fixtures are regular and competitive, while the cricket programme includes fixtures against other secondary schools. Basketball has developed a strong following, with inter-house competitions and external fixtures. Athletics Day is an annual highlight, with extensive participation across all year groups. Table tennis, a traditional but often undervalued sport, has an active club and participates in league competitions.

The school's sports philosophy rejects the elite-only model. Rather, sport aims to build resilience, teamwork, and physical confidence across the pupil body. This inclusivity means students of all abilities participate, not merely the exceptionally talented.

Music and Performing Arts

Music is a significant part of school culture. While specific ensemble names are not extensively documented on the website, the curriculum includes music at GCSE and A-level, with active engagement in school productions. Drama is taught as a discrete subject and culminates in student-led productions. The combined focus on music and drama creates a creative counterweight to the school's academic rigour.

Cinema Club has emerged as a popular forum for critical engagement with film as both art and cultural text. This signals a sophisticated approach to extracurricular learning, where activities develop intellectual capacity rather than serving as mere recreational breaks.

Clubs and Societies

Personal development is framed as an entitlement at Paddington Academy. All students in Key Stage 3 attend one club per week from a broad range of options, deliberately pushing students outside comfort zones. Named clubs include Chess and Games Club, Football Manager Club, Touch Rugby Club, Basketball Club, Cricket Club, Cinema Club, and Table Tennis Club. The deliberate choice to make club attendance mandatory signals the school's conviction that extracurricular engagement develops character and resilience.

Beyond named sports and games, the school offers Climate Council, through which environmentally engaged students lead sustainability initiatives. Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs through the school, supporting students toward Bronze, Silver, and Gold qualifications. Junior Leadership develops prefect and mentor roles, creating authentic responsibility for younger students.

Personal Development and Leadership

The school operates a house system that structures pastoral care and community identity. House competitions, house mentoring, and house-based social activities create smaller communities within the large academy. This structure supports both wellbeing and leadership development.

Community of Belonging and Getting University Ready are formal programmes supporting specific developmental outcomes. The first focuses on fostering inclusion and belonging; the second explicitly prepares sixth formers for next steps.

Work experience is embedded. Students complete two work placements during their time at the school, building understanding of career pathways and professional expectations. This practical engagement with the world of work grounds academic study in tangible career relevance.

Year 7 Entry

Paddington Academy is significantly oversubscribed for Year 7, with 717 applications for 174 places in the most recent admissions cycle, a ratio of 4.1 applications per place. Admissions are coordinated by Westminster City Council through the standard secondary transfer process. The academy is non-selective; places are allocated by the council's standard criteria, though the school's reputation and results create high demand.

The Pupil Admission Number (PAN) for September 2026 entry is 180. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025, with offers released in early March and acceptance due by mid-March. Waiting lists are currently held for prospective students in all year groups when places do not materialise.

The school strongly recommends families attend open events to experience the academy firsthand. Transition from Year 6 to Year 7 includes dedicated induction days and programmes to support the move from primary.

Sixth Form Entry

External applications to the sixth form are now open for September 2026. Entry requirements typically include at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (standard pass) or above, though specific A-level subjects may require grade 5 or 6 in relevant GCSE subjects. The school remains selective at sixth form, prioritising those with the academic foundation to thrive in advanced study. A sixth form bursary is available for eligible students.

Mrs Katie Gillam has provided stable leadership since 2016, guiding the school through its period of most significant development. The school employs approximately 97 full-time teaching equivalents, supported by 13.93 teaching assistant full-time equivalents and a larger non-teaching staff. This staffing ratio (approximately 1 teacher per 13 pupils) is healthy and reflects investment in teaching quality. The school is part of United Learning, a multi-academy trust that also sponsors Holland Park School, Ernest Bevin Academy, and other strong performers.

Safeguarding is treated with seriousness. The school holds detailed policies and maintains staff training. The 2023 Ofsted report noted effective safeguarding arrangements. Key staff, including the school's safeguarding leads, understand their responsibilities clearly.

Behaviour expectations are consistently maintained. The school's uniform policy, punctuality expectations, and behaviour code are applied fairly and firmly. Students describe a culture where respect for peers and staff is the baseline, though some online parent accounts raise concerns about bullying, which requires ongoing attention.

Bullying is reported as being addressed quickly when raised, though as with all large schools, ensuring every incident receives appropriate attention remains a challenge. The school invites families to report concerns and maintains clear procedures for investigation.

For students with SEND, the school provides support through its mainstream SEN provision. Specialist classes are not offered, but students with identified needs receive support within mainstream settings with targeted interventions.

School Day

The school day runs 8:15am to 3:25pm Monday through Thursday, with an earlier 2:50pm finish on Friday, totalling 36 hours and 5 minutes per week. This extended day allows for a full range of learning and extracurricular engagement without requiring additional after-school clubs to fit in activity.

Facilities

The academy occupies a purpose-built site at 50 Marylands Road, Maida Vale, London W9 2DR. The building comprises dedicated spaces for different subject areas, classrooms, science laboratories, and performance spaces. Specific facility details, whether the school has a dedicated gymnasium, sports field, or performance theatre, are not extensively documented on the website, though PE is taught and sports fixtures happen regularly.

Location and Travel

The school is located in central London, near Paddington station and major transport links. For families across Greater London, TfL transport provides good access. The postcode W9 2DR places the school in an area with dense housing and strong walking routes from nearby residential areas.

Oversubscription challenge. With 4.1 applications per place, securing entry is competitive. Unless your address is very close to the school or you have exceptional circumstances, space cannot be assumed. Families should research alternatives simultaneously.

Cultural diversity and integration. Nearly 98% of pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds, and 50% are eligible for free school meals. This creates an exceptionally diverse community. While the school celebrates this diversity and manages integration well, families seeking a school reflecting different demographic patterns should understand the actual composition.

Inner-London location challenges. The school's environment score on external measures reflects air quality and traffic safety concerns typical of inner London. The postcode sits in an area with significant pollution and traffic. For families sensitive to air quality or road safety, this is a relevant consideration.

Behaviour accountability. While the Ofsted report and leadership emphasise strong behaviour, some online parent feedback raises concerns about bullying and perception of inconsistent response. Parents should satisfy themselves through visits that behaviour support aligns with their expectations.

Limited sixth form external entry. The sixth form prioritises internal progression, meaning external spaces are limited. For families seeking entry post-16 from outside, competition is significant.

Paddington Academy delivers exactly what it promises: rigorous academics combined with genuine attention to character and community. For families within reasonable distance who can secure a place, the school offers an exceptional education at no cost. Results place it firmly in the top tier of London state secondaries; more importantly, progress measures show the school moves all pupils forward, not merely those arriving already advantaged. The house system, mandatory clubs, and emphasis on work experience create a learning experience beyond pure academics. The relentless focus on high expectations applies equally to behaviour, uniform, and attendance, creating a disciplined environment where learning can flourish.

Best suited to families wanting an academically rigorous, well-disciplined comprehensive where excellence is pursued across all dimensions of school life. The oversubscription means entry remains the primary challenge; once secured, the educational experience is genuinely outstanding.