EDUCATION
ELTHAM COLLEGE
AT THE HEART OF A 70-ACRE LEAFY OASIS IN SOUTH-EAST LONDON – READILY ACCESSIBLE FROM ACROSS THE WHOLE OF KENT – YOU WILL FIND ONE OF THE CAPITAL’ S MOST EXCITING INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: ELTHAM COLLEGE.
Founded in 1842, Eltham has a proud history but remains at the forefront of education. A day school for girls and boys aged seven to 18, it is small enough for every child to be known as an individual( there are around 250 students in the Junior School, with some 800 in the College and Sixth Form). Yet, despite its deliberately manageable size, Eltham College is a major and growing force- both locally and nationally- not only academically, but across sporting and creative arenas.
Academic results are outstanding, and Eltham College has risen dramatically up all rankings as a result- in recognition of which it received the coveted Sunday Times London Independent School of the Year 2024 award. Results continue to climb: more than one-third of all A-level grades last year were A *, with over two-thirds( 68 %) being A */ A. At GCSE, an incredible 71 % of grades were 9 or 8( equivalent to the previous A *), and almost one in ten( 88 %) were 9, 8 or 7( A */ A equivalent).
Critically, the foundation for this pattern of excellence is a place in which every student- whatever their ability or interest- attains their very best, unlocking the doors to their dreamed-of futures. No child is left behind at Eltham. This was witnessed by ISI Schools Inspectors last year who said:‘ every pupil is known as an individual … and encouraged to flourish academically’.
But this happy, all-through, busy family school is about so much more. Sports provision is exceptional- and for everyone. Alongside core sports hockey, cricket, rugby and netball, the school is strong in aquatics( swimming and water polo), athletics, fencing, skiing and tennis, with some 20 other sports on offer. So far this year, the school’ s teams have taken Kent county titles in netball( U14) and rugby sevens( U16), the London Tier 1 title in hockey( U12 boys), skiing silver( U16 slalom) at the British Schoolboys International races, and become U15 water polo national plate champions- testament to the breadth of sporting excellence.
The arts are equally impressive. Over 70 musical events each year range from Jazz Night to Battle of the Bands and flagship choral and orchestral concerts at Sinfonia Smith Square and Blackheath Halls. Most students learn at least one instrument and there are some 55 ensembles to join( including winners of major international prizes). Art is outstanding, so too is drama- students regularly attain places at the UK’ s top drama schools.
Entry to Eltham is to the Junior School at 7 or 8 +( offering seamless transition to the Senior School in Year 7), and to the College at 11 + and 16 +. Transport is available across London and North Kent. Registration is now open for September 2027 places.
To join the next Open Day on Saturday 19 September, please book online, or contact admissions @ eltham-college. org. uk. We look forward to meeting you.
eltham-college. org. uk elthamcollegeuk
178 • www. insidekent. co. uk