Warlingham School & Sixth Form College Review 2026: Popular Community Comprehensive

Sitting on the edge of the North Downs where suburbia meets the Surrey countryside, Warlingham School serves a diverse catchment on the Greater London border. While academic outcomes sit in line with the national average rather than at the top of league tables, the school is heavily oversubscribed, a testament to its reputation for pastoral stability and breadth of opportunity. It is a large, mixed comprehensive that prides itself on being a "school with a heart," operating as part of the Tandridge Learning Trust.

Opened in 1954, the campus is a functional mix of mid-century blocks and modern additions, including a dedicated Sixth Form centre. The atmosphere is busy but orderly. Students move through the site in smart navy blazers, organised into a vertical House system—Chichester, Johnson, Mallory, and Sharman—which forms the backbone of school life. Named after renowned adventurers, these houses foster a community feel despite the school's size of over 1,500 students.

Mr Paul Foster, Headteacher since 2020, has focused on raising expectations under the motto Wide Horizons, High Aspirations. The school values—Courage, Commitment, and Kindness—are not just branding; they appear frequently in assemblies and behaviour conversations. The November 2022 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school remains Good, noting that pupils feel safe and bullying is rare.

Academic performance is solid, reflecting the school's truly comprehensive intake. In 2024, the school ranked 2,405th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and 1st among secondary schools in the immediate Warlingham area. This performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The Average Progress 8 score of -0.18 indicates that students make slightly less progress than the national average from their starting points, though attainment remains respectful. The average Attainment 8 score is 44.7.

At A-level, the picture is similar. Ranked 2,003rd in England (FindMySchool ranking), the Sixth Form sits in the national lower band. In 2024, 33% of grades were A*-B. While this is below the England average, it supports a wide range of pathways beyond just elite university entry.

The curriculum is broad, maintaining a commitment to arts and technology alongside the English Baccalaureate core. Key Stage 3 covers three years, allowing time for depth in history, geography, and languages before GCSE choices are made.

Teaching is structured and supportive. The most recent inspection highlighted that leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum, though consistency in delivery can vary. In the best lessons, teachers check understanding rigorously; elsewhere, some students can drift. The school has invested heavily in reading strategies, recognising that literacy is the key to unlocking the wider curriculum for its mixed-ability intake.

Destinations reflect the school's inclusive ethos. In 2024, 47% of leavers progressed to university, while a significant 31% moved directly into employment, and 6% began apprenticeships.

For the academic high-flyers, the pathway to elite institutions exists but requires drive. In the 2024 cycle, eight students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing a place at Cambridge. This demonstrates that while the school is not an "exam factory," the ceiling is high for motivated students.

Admissions are coordinated by Surrey County Council. Despite the average academic metrics, Warlingham is fiercely popular. In the last intake, the school received 690 applications for 237 places, a subscription ratio of nearly 3 applications per place.

The school is consistently oversubscribed. Places are allocated first to looked-after children and those with exceptional medical needs, followed by siblings, and then children of staff. The remaining places are determined by distance. While the school does not publish a fixed catchment map, living within the immediate Warlingham and Hamsey Green area is typically necessary. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is a clear strength, anchored in the House system. Each student belongs to a tutor group within their House, providing a consistent "family" unit throughout their time at school.

The school employs non-teaching Pastoral Support Officers who are available throughout the day, ensuring students have access to help without waiting for break times. "The Bridge" facility offers a sanctuary for vulnerable students or those needing a quieter environment during unstructured times, while "The Maple Room" provides specialist support for those with SEND.

The extracurricular offer is extensive, leveraging the school's ample grounds. Sport is a major pillar; the on-site 25m swimming pool allows for a strong swimming squad, while the floodlit AstroTurf and sports hall support rugby, netball, and basketball fixtures against local schools.

The arts are equally visible. The annual school production involves over 100 students, from cast to lighting technicians. Musically, the Jazz Band and Vocal Group perform regularly. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels. Trips are frequent, ranging from geography fieldwork in local spots to ski trips and history tours to Berlin.

The school day runs from 8:35am to 3:05pm. Located on Tithepit Shaw Lane, the school is served by several local bus routes (403, 409, 411) connecting it to Croydon, Sanderstead, and Caterham. There is no on-site parking for parents; drop-off traffic can be heavy, so walking or public transport is encouraged.

• Progress metrics: With a Progress 8 score of -0.18, the school adds slightly less value academically than the national average. Parents of highly academic children may need to ensure their child remains stretched.
• High demand: With nearly three applicants for every place, securing entry is the primary hurdle. Families living on the catchment fringe should have a realistic backup plan.
• Mixed ability: Classes are mixed ability in lower years for many subjects. This fosters social cohesion but requires teachers to differentiate skilfully to challenge the most able.

Warlingham School offers a grounded, well-rounded education where pastoral care and community values often take precedence over raw league table positions. It feels like a "proper" school, busy, sporty, and kind. Best suited to local families wanting a supportive, inclusive environment where their child can try everything from swimming to Shakespeare, rather than a pressure-cooker academic hothouse. The main challenge is securing a place.