SchoolScoresHeathcote School and Science College
Community school · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Normanton Park, Chingford, London, E4 6ES
020 8498 5110 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 26 September 2018.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 29 February 2024: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
199 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025.
Waltham Forest comparisons use the 8 of its 18 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 10 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Waltham Forest | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 3rd highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Waltham Forest. Higher than 71% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 89% | 83% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 4th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Waltham Forest. Higher than 61% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 89% | 84% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 4th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Waltham Forest. Higher than 63% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 84% | 80% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 87 parents whose child had been bullied 4th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Waltham Forest. Higher than 56% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 52% | 49% | 50% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 165 parents who had raised a concern 5th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Waltham Forest. Higher than 73% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 79% | 75% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 4th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Waltham Forest. Higher than 64% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 85%said yes | 79% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Waltham Forest figures pool parents at the Waltham Forest schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
162 pupils in this year group.
44% — 1 points below the Waltham Forest average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Waltham Forest | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 44% | 46% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 46.1 | 45.3 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
183 pupils in this year group.
95% — 2 points above the Waltham Forest average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Waltham Forest | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 95% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 50% | 35% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 11% | 28% | 13% |
| Further education college | 29% | 26% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 1% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 1% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 93% | 95% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
87 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Waltham Forest | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 26% | 23% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 54% | 51% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 35.5 | 31.8 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
19 subjects, 214 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 35 | 20% | 43% | 19% |
| Biology | 26 | 0% | 12% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 15 | 0% | 13% | 30% |
| Mathematics | 15 | 0% | 40% | 40% |
| Economics | 13 | 8% | 15% | 26% |
| History | 13 | 0% | 62% | 23% |
| Business Studies:Single | 11 | 9% | 9% | 16% |
| English Literature | 10 | 10% | 50% | 23% |
| Geography | 10 | 10% | 30% | 23% |
| Sociology | 10 | 30% | 50% | 20% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 9 | 0% | 0% | 15% |
| English Language | 9 | 11% | 22% | 13% |
| Turkish | 8 | 0% | 0% | 32% |
| Physics | 7 | 0% | 0% | 31% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 6 | 0% | 0% | 24% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design, Drama and Theatre Studies, Government and Politics, Physical Education / Sports Studies.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
110 students in this year group.
92% — 19 points above the Waltham Forest average, and 13 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Waltham Forest | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 92% | 73% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 5% | 3% | 7% |
| Work | 25% | 20% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 90% | 92% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
77 students in this year group.
62% — 5 points below the Waltham Forest average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Waltham Forest | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 62% | 67% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 14% | 10% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 76% | 62% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Waltham Forest. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 1 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 171 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 196 |
| Of those, offered a place | 153 (78%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 562 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.2 · 2025: 1.1 · 2026: 1.1
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision for hearing impairment. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Waltham Forest | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 12th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Higher than 61% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 31.7% | 34.3%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 3rd highest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Higher than 92% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 6.1% | 4.6%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 8th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Higher than 44% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.8% | 12.3%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 11th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Higher than 82% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 33.3% | 40.0%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 10th lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Lower than 62% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.7% | 7.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 8th lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Lower than 48% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 23.7% | 23.4%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 11th lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Lower than 66% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 9.2 | 10.8 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 10th lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Lower than 56% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 6.0% | 6.2% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded3 pupils | 0.27% | 0.22% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 13th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Higher than 11% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 14.5 | 15.8 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 12th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Higher than 19% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.3 | 11.3 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 14th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Waltham Forest. Higher than 28% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 10.0% | 13.9%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Normanhurst School 0.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Trinity Catholic High School 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 66% grade 5+ English and maths
- Bancroft's School 0.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 75% A*/A at A level
- Chingford Foundation School 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 49% grade 5+ English and maths
- Highams Park School 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 45% grade 5+ English and maths
- Woodford County High School 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 99% grade 5+ English and maths
- South Chingford Foundation School 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 needs attention · 29% grade 5+ English and maths
- Woodbridge High School 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 58% grade 5+ English and maths
- Roding Valley High School 2.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 48% grade 5+ English and maths
- Frederick Bremer School 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2015), confirmed 2024 · 47% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Heathcote School and Science College's Ofsted rating?
Heathcote School and Science College was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 26 September 2018. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 29 February 2024, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did Heathcote School and Science College do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 44% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, about the same as the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Heathcote School and Science College?
85% of the 199 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025 said they would recommend Heathcote School and Science College to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Heathcote School and Science College oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 196 families put Heathcote School and Science College as their first choice for 171 places: about 1 first-choice applications for every place. 153 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 103097.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 1 January 2024 to 6 January 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.