About the School
Goresbrook School is a mixed all-through free school located on Cook Road, Dagenham, in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Run by the United Learning Trust, it offers continuous education from Nursery (age 2) all the way through to Sixth Form (age 18) — a rare model in London that creates strong continuity and community for its pupils.
The school opened in September 2014 on the site of the former Goresbrook Leisure Centre. Designed by Blue Sky Architect Group, the campus repurposed the existing double-height sports halls while adding two new three-storey teaching wings, creating modern and light-filled learning spaces throughout.
Under Principal Megan Harris, who joined in 2022, the school has achieved its current standing as one of East London's most impressive state schools. The school's values — Growth, Belief, Team — are reflected in its culture and results. In October 2024, Ofsted rated it Outstanding in all six inspection categories, a remarkable journey from "Requires Improvement" in 2017.
School Phases
Goresbrook is an all-through school, meaning pupils can progress from Nursery all the way to Sixth Form without changing school. This model creates strong relationships between staff and pupils over many years, and is a key part of what makes Goresbrook distinctive in the local area.
Nursery & Reception
Years 1–6
Years 7–11
Years 12–13
Key Facts
| School Type | All-through Free School |
| Academy Trust | United Learning Trust |
| Headteacher | Miss Megan Harris |
| Age Range | 4 to 18 (Nursery from age 2) |
| Gender | Mixed (co-educational) |
| Capacity | Up to 1,500 pupils |
| Current Roll | Approx. 1,100 pupils |
| Free School Meals | 29% eligible |
| EAL Pupils | 51% English as Additional Language |
| Sixth Form Opened | 2021 (first Year 12 cohort 2023) |
| Phone | 020 3597 6666 |
| DfE / URN | 301/4003 · URN 140962 |
Admissions
Goresbrook does not operate a formal catchment boundary. Places at both primary and secondary level are managed by Barking and Dagenham Local Authority on a first-preference, distance-based allocation. The school is significantly oversubscribed — at secondary level there are approximately 3.6 applications per available place.
In 2024, the furthest distance at which a secondary place was offered was approximately 1.37 miles from the school gates. Distances vary each year depending on applicant demand. Families living further than 1.4 miles are unlikely to receive an offer. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. The primary phase has an approximately 3:1 oversubscription ratio.