Best 3 Secondary schools in Croydon – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Riddlesdown Collegiate (Secondary) in Purley; Harris Invictus Academy Croydon (Secondary) in Croydon; Harris City Academy Crystal Palace (Secondary) in London — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Riddlesdown Collegiate, Harris Invictus Academy Croydon and Harris City Academy Crystal Palace. They are secondary phase and academy converter, free schools and academy sponsor led type located around Purley, Surrey, Croydon and London. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Riddlesdown Collegiate), published May 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Riddlesdown Collegiate (May 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,400, combined total ≈ 4,200, typical FSM 30–35%, range 10–15%–45–50%; spread across trusts such as The Collegiate Trust and Harris Federation.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Riddlesdown Collegiate CR8 1EX	Harris Invictus Academy Croydon CR0 2TB	Harris City Academy Crystal Palace SE19 2JH
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Free schools	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Purley Surrey CR8 1EX	Croydon CR0 2TB	London SE19 2JH
Latest Ofsted	1 17 May 2023	1 14 Nov 2016	1 10 Nov 2014
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 2,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,000 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	45–50% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	2040	900	1300
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective		Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	The Collegiate Trust	Harris Federation	Harris Federation
Website	www.riddlesdown.org	www.harrisinvictus.org.uk	www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk
Telephone	02086685136	02033713002	02087712261
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Riddlesdown Collegiate

CR8 1EX

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Purley
Surrey
CR8 1EX
Ofsted: 1 17 May 2023
Pupils: ≈ 2,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Collegiate Trust
Website: www.riddlesdown.org
Telephone: 02086685136

Harris Invictus Academy Croydon

CR0 2TB

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Croydon
CR0 2TB
Ofsted: 1 14 Nov 2016
Pupils: ≈ 1,000 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 45–50% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Harris Federation
Website: www.harrisinvictus.org.uk
Telephone: 02033713002

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace

SE19 2JH

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: London
SE19 2JH
Ofsted: 1 10 Nov 2014
Pupils: ≈ 1,150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Harris Federation
Website: www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk
Telephone: 02087712261

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.