Jo Richardson Community SchoolGale Street , Dagenham

Jo Richardson Community School, based in Dagenham, provides secondary education, serving pupils aged 11 to 19. The school is a community school and operates as a mixed school. It follows a non-selective admissions policy. It does not have a designated religious character, which may suit families looking for a non-faith school. The school also offers a sixth form, allowing students to continue into post-16 education on site.

Jo Richardson Community School currently has around 1686 pupils on roll, which is about 99% of its capacity. The gender split is relatively balanced, with approximately 51.6% boys and 48.4% girls. Around 36.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which gives an indication of the socio-economic mix. Pupil backgrounds are varied across different backgrounds and needs.

Overall absence at the school is 7.1%. Persistent absence is recorded at 22.9%.

Pupil backgrounds are varied, with white british pupils forming the largest group at around 32.8%. african pupils make up about 17.9% , followed by other white at 10.7%

At its latest Ofsted inspection, the school was rated Outstanding. This indicates exceptional performance across all areas. Safeguarding was judged to be effective, which is a key consideration for many parents.

Around 91% of pupils move on to sustained destinations after Year 11. Most continue into education (88%) , including 37% who stay in school sixth forms and 44% progressing to further education , while SP enter apprenticeships .