There are just two weeks left to apply for our popular secondary schools if your child is starting secondary school next September. The deadline is 31 October.
Hammersmith & Fulham is one of the best places in the country to go to school. Eighty-six per cent of our pupils scored grade 4 or above in their English GCSE exam (the equivalent of a C or above) – compared to just 70 per cent nationally. And in maths, 76 per cent of our pupils scored grade 4 or above compared to 65 per cent nationally.
“Having been born and raised in the borough, I know we have some of the most dedicated, caring and inspirational teachers, and school staff in the country – and recent results show that,” said Cllr Larry Culhane, Cabinet Member for Children and Education.
“I’m confident that there is a local secondary in Hammersmith & Fulham that can inspire your child to achieve their best while enjoying a vibrant school community.”
But statistics don’t tell the whole picture about our schools and the local community.
“Our future relies on our young people and we want to make sure that their opportunities continue beyond the school gates,” added Cllr Culhane.
“We believe in listening to and involving young people to help them shape our borough. That’s why H&F has a youth council, a youth mayor and a youth MP.”
High performing schools
One example of a local high-performing secondary school is Fulham Cross Girls’ School in Fulham. It was recently named one of the Mayor of London’s ‘Schools for Success’ which shines a light on the best schools in the capital.
“We are absolutely committed to raising the standards for our girls,” said headteacher Denise Fox. “We are an outstanding school in the top two per cent of the country for progress and we are so proud that all our efforts have been recognised by the mayor.”
Ms Fox is a proud recipient of a TES Lifetime Achievement award for her four decades improving young lives.
In White City, Phoenix Academy has made headlines for recent successes after this year’s exam results were revealed to be one of the most improved in the country.
“We want to get the message across that this is an amazing school,” said new headteacher Oli Knight. “If you want to see what we’re really about, come see us on a Friday morning break-time. That can’t be stage-managed. I think it will totally change your perception of Phoenix.”
Top marks across H&F
Secondary school pupils put in an impressive performance across H&F leading to some fantastic results in the new, tougher GCSEs. You can read more online.
What H&F’s secondary schools say about themselves
Ark Burlington Danes – White City
A CofE academy with a special focus on the study of English, mathematics, and science. Facilities are among the best in London, with an eleven-acre site, extensive playing fields and a 300-seat theatre.
Fulham Boys’ School – West Kensington
It is built upon Christian principles which nurtures enterprise. The school raises expectations of achievement for boys in the local community, to achieve success regardless of background, ethnicity, or ability.
Fulham College Boys’ – Fulham
The only non-faith boys’ secondary school in Hammersmith & Fulham. It is a small school, friendly and supportive that works with each student to shape a personalised curriculum, including vocational courses.
Fulham Cross Girls’ School – Fulham
A non-faith school that changes girls lives through empowering tomorrow’s women. A small friendly school that provides outstanding care, guidance, and support.
Hammersmith Academy – Shepherds Bush
A non-denominational, co-educational school for 11 to 18-year-olds, with specialisms in creative and digital media and ICT. It provides educational and practical experiences and innovative business experience.
A place where students thrive academically and socially in an atmosphere of mutual respect, tolerance and diversity. It also has a community technology library and a large creative arts department.
A CofE girls school with a strong Christian ethos but also fully inclusive. It provides a safe, caring and intellectually stimulating environment and a strong programme of extra-curricular activities.
An all-ability Catholic school for boys, providing a sound academic education as well as a swimming pool, multi-gym, chapel, 300-seat theatre, and wheelchair access to all four floors.
Phoenix Academy in The Curve, White City
Under new management since September 2017, it is now one of the most improved schools in the country. Among the things it offers are an adventure learning programme, exceptional sports facilities and a community farm.
Sacred Heart High School – Hammersmith
An all-ability Catholic school for girls, offering a broad and balanced curriculum, specialising in mathematics and computing. It has modern facilities set in beautiful grounds.
West London Free School – Hammersmith
It offers a classical liberal education for pupils of all backgrounds, a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and every child is encouraged to learn a musical instrument.
Top tips
With H&F schools performing so well how do you choose? Here are some top tips:
- Exam results are almost always going to be what parents and carers look at first. It can be wise to look beyond the headline figures. Progress 8 is considered the fairest measure of a school’s effectiveness. It looks at how pupils improve in eight core subjects from when they join a secondary school to when they leave.
- Many schools have specialisms such as art, sport, or science. If your child is interested in a particular subject, it may be worth giving extra consideration to these schools.
- Look at the activities outside the classroom. Many schools have after-school clubs which can broaden children’s skills and interests.
- Look at how large the class sizes are.
- Don’t worry too much about what the building looks like, it’s what goes on inside that counts.
- Find out how much homework your child can expect.
- Ask if the schools have homework clubs.
- Ask if the schools have high-achieving clubs.
- Consider whether the level of PSHE teaching, such as keeping yourself safe, debating and healthy eating, is important to you and your child.
- Find out about the extra-curricular lessons the schools offer, such as arts and drama.
Contact us
If you have any questions then you can call the admissions team on 020 8753 1085 or email schooladmissions@lbhf.gov.uk.
Opportunities for young people
Giving young people opportunities to learn and succeed are important to the council. We give pupils the chance to sharpen their political skills by offering positions such as a youth mayor and a youth MP in a borough-wide election every year. These elected pupils go on to represent young people both locally and nationally while they learn new skills and discover new experiences.
Outside of the town hall, there’s a wealth of arts and culture in H&F to broaden young minds, such as the Lyric Theatre – which runs its pioneering Lyric Young Company giving teenagers a chance to learn how a professional theatre works. While our Workzone employment experts at Shepherds Bush Library link top businesses such as Imperial College London and Westfield to provide training and jobs.
H&F is also one of the best connected boroughs in London for transport links to central London and to Heathrow airport.
Want to read more news stories like this? Subscribe to our weekly e-news bulletin.
