Published: 30 June 2026
Southwark’s schools rank among the stronger performers in London, with a variety of high-achieving state schools, independent institutions and specialist provision across the borough. In fact, Around 99% are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, with primary schools reaching full coverage at that level.
Academically, outcomes tend to sit above national averages. At GCSE level, around 54–55% of pupils achieve Grade 5 or above in English and maths, compared to roughly 45% nationally, while the borough’s Attainment 8 score sits at around 52 versus 46 across England. Post-16 results follow a similar pattern, with A-level students regularly outperforming national figures across key grade bands.
In this guide, we profile the best schools in Southwark.
Dulwich Prep & Senior (Prep School)
Shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025 and named a 2026 Business Excellence Award winner, Dulwich Prep & Senior’s preparatory school sits among London’s more established prep schools. Founded in 1885, it educates boys to Year 8, with a clear pathway to senior school at 13+, alongside provision across sport, music, drama, languages and design technology. Teaching becomes more subject-driven over time, encouraging independence while maintaining a strong co-curricular culture alongside academic work.
Outcomes are measured through senior school destinations. Between 2020 and 2025, around 95% of pupils secured first-choice places across over 50 schools. Pupils achieved 350 awards across the same period, including 55 awards across 40 pupils in 2024–2025.
Charles Dickens Primary School
Charles Dickens Primary School sits in central Southwark and forms part of The Charter Schools Educational Trust, known for strong academic outcomes and a knowledge-rich curriculum. Rated as outstanding by Ofsted, the schools approach is supported by stable leadership, clear direction and pastoral care recognised with UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold status.
Arts provision is a strength, with teaching across music, drama and visual arts, alongside performances and exhibitions. Results remain high, with around 92% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and maths and a strong proportion achieving greater depth, placing it above national averages.
The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overie
Founded in 1704, The Cathedral School has a strong academic record, a clear Church of England ethos and close ties to Southwark Cathedral. The curriculum is broad and academically focused, with particular strength in music, reading and performance.
Results place it among the highest-performing primaries in the borough, with around 93% of pupils meeting expected standards. Outcomes are particularly strong in maths and writing, alongside a high proportion achieving greater depth, which has earnt it the status of outstanding by Ofsted.
London Christian School
London Christian School is a small independent primary established in 2007, with around 120 pupils and a focus on small class teaching and individual progression. The curriculum follows a traditional academic structure within a Christian framework, with emphasis on character development alongside attainment, supported by continuous assessment rather than national testing. Outcomes are reflected in secondary placements, with pupils progressing to selective and independent schools including Alleyn’s, Dulwich College and City of London School, positioning it as a strong feeder into competitive senior schools.
Evelina Hospital School
Evelina Hospital School is a specialist provision within Evelina London Children’s Hospital for pupils aged 3 to 19. Established in 1949, it delivers highly personalised education adapted to medical needs, with teaching at the bedside and in classrooms. The curriculum remains broad, supported by one-to-one and small group teaching.
The school is recognised for strong SEND provision and maintaining continuity of learning. Outcomes are measured through progress and reintegration into home schools, with Ofsted rating it Outstanding.
Secondary
Dulwich College
Set on Dulwich Common, Dulwich College is one of south London’s most established independent schools, founded in 1619. It is a large, well-resourced setting that balances academic performance with pastoral care and wider development. The curriculum is structured but broad, encouraging independent thinking alongside strong subject knowledge, with sport, creative arts and co-curricular programmes integrated into school life.
Results are consistently strong. In 2025, over a third of A level grades were A*, around 70% A*/A and close to 90% A*–B. GCSE results saw 57.2% at grade 9 and over 93% at grades 7–9.
James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS)
Named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2024, JAGS is the oldest independent girls’ school in London, founded in 1741, with over 1,100 pupils aged 4 to 18. Based in Dulwich, the school’s ethos centres on ambition and independent thinking, supported by specialist teaching and a broad co-curricular programme.
Results reflect this. In 2025, 51% of GCSE grades were Grade 9, with 77% at Grades 9–8. A level outcomes remain among the strongest nationally, with progression to leading UK universities.
Alleyn’s School
Set across a 26-acre site in Dulwich, Alleyn’s is a leading co-educational independent school founded in 1619, educating pupils aged 4 to 18, with a values-focused approach built around its ROCCK framework and a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded pupils through extensive co-curricular provision.
Results are among the strongest in the sector. In 2025, 41% of A level grades were A*, 81% A*/A and 94% A*–B, with one in six students achieving three A*s or more. Around 12% secured Oxbridge places.
St Michael's Catholic College
St Michael’s Catholic College is a mixed comprehensive sixth form with a structured Catholic ethos, rated Outstanding in its last Ofsted report. Founded in 1960, it operates around clear expectations and a well-established pastoral system shaped by Salesian values.
Results are consistently above national averages, with 2025 marking its strongest GCSE outcomes, including a 94% pass rate in English and 74% achieving top grades. Sixth form results are also strong, with two thirds achieving A*–B and high progression to Russell Group universities.
Harris Academy Bermondsey
Harris Academy Bermondsey is a girls’ secondary and sixth form with a long-standing Outstanding Ofsted record. Part of the Harris Federation, it operates with high expectations and a structured academic model built around a knowledge-rich curriculum. The single-sex setting is used to support confidence and attainment, alongside strong pastoral systems.
Results remain strong, with over a third of GCSE students achieving grades 7–9. A level outcomes continue to improve year on year, with high rates of progression to Russell Group universities.
St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School
Founded in 1562, St Saviour’s & St Olave’s is a Church of England girls’ school with a strong academic tradition and stable leadership. Its curriculum is academically focused, supported by a clear pastoral framework and a visible Christian ethos, with links to Southwark Cathedral.
Results remain above national averages, with an Attainment 8 score of 51.13 and over 73% of pupils achieving standard passes in English and maths. Sixth form outcomes are steady, with 72% achieving A*–C grades.
Southwark’s schools offer strong results alongside a level of choice that’s hard to match so centrally. For those already in the borough, that breadth makes staying a practical option; for those considering a move, it’s one of the few parts of London where both primary and secondary provision remain consistently strong.
