How Many Secondary Schools Are in London?

By Michael Ferguson

London is one of the most populous cities in the world and is home to a vast number of educational institutions. In this article, we will explore how many secondary schools are there in London.

What are Secondary Schools?

Secondary schools, also known as high schools, provide education to students between the ages of 11-16 (key stage 3 and 4) in England. These schools offer a range of subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and other electives which students can choose from based on their interests.

How Many Secondary Schools Are in London?

According to the latest data available from the Department for Education (DfE), there were 637 state-funded secondary schools in London as of January 2020. This figure includes academies, free schools and local authority maintained schools.

Types of Secondary Schools in London

  • Academies: Academies are publicly funded independent schools that are not under local authority control. They have more freedom over their curriculum, finances and staffing.
  • Free Schools: Free Schools are also publicly funded independent schools that are set up by groups such as teachers, parents or charities.
  • Maintained Schools: Maintained schools are overseen by local authorities and follow the national curriculum. They can be either community or voluntary aided schools.

The Distribution of Secondary Schools Across London Boroughs

The distribution of secondary schools across London boroughs is not equal. Some boroughs have more secondary schools than others. According to data from the DfE:

  • The borough with the highest number of secondary schools is Croydon with 29.
  • The borough with the lowest number of secondary schools is Kensington & Chelsea with 4.
  • The borough with the highest number of pupils in secondary schools is Barnet with 31,049.
  • The borough with the lowest number of pupils in secondary schools is the City of London with only 282 pupils.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a significant number of secondary schools in London that provide education to students across the city. The distribution of these schools varies across different London boroughs, and some boroughs have more schools than others. It’s important to note that all these schools provide quality education to their students and help them develop the necessary skills and knowledge for their future.