SchoolScoresThe Palmer Catholic Academy
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of THE GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC TRUST
Aldborough Road South, Seven Kings, Ilford, IG3 8EU
020 8590 3808 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 3 February 2026 , published 8 May 2026.
In short: 4 expected, 3 needs attention, and safeguarding met.
Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. | Met |
| InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
37 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026.
Ilford comparisons use the 4 of its 12 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 8 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Ilford | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford. Higher than 47% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 78% | 84% | 83% |
| My child feels safe at this school 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford. Higher than 33% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 76% | 87% | 85% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford. Higher than 40% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 70% | 82% | 78% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 32 parents who had raised a concern 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford. Higher than 41% of 431 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 66% | 76% | 74% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent Joint 2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford. Higher than 47% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 81%said yes | 85% | 83% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 3%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Ilford figures pool parents at the Ilford schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
192 pupils in this year group.
47% — 12 points below the Redbridge average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Redbridge | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 47% | 60% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 48.8 | 53.9 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
187 pupils in this year group.
95% — about the same as the Redbridge average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Redbridge | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 95% | 95% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 67% | 70% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 2% | 4% | 13% |
| Further education college | 24% | 19% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 0% | – | 3% |
| Work | 1% | – | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 95% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
106 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Redbridge | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 14% | 24% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 39% | 51% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 30.9 | 34.4 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
21 subjects, 316 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 47 | 13% | 30% | 40% |
| Economics | 40 | 3% | 13% | 26% |
| Biology | 39 | 0% | 5% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 34 | 3% | 6% | 30% |
| Psychology | 21 | 5% | 19% | 19% |
| Sociology | 18 | 0% | 17% | 20% |
| Business Studies:Single | 17 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| English Literature | 17 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 9 | 11% | 33% | 24% |
| History | 9 | 0% | 11% | 23% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 9 | 11% | 56% | 59% |
| Physics | 9 | 0% | 11% | 31% |
| Government and Politics | 8 | 0% | 25% | 26% |
| Law | 8 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 8 | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| Religious Studies | 8 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 6 | 0% | 0% | 38% |
| Geography | 6 | 17% | 33% | 23% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Italian, Polish, Spanish.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
99 students in this year group.
83% — 3 points below the Redbridge average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Redbridge | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 83% | 86% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 5% | 7% |
| Work | 16% | 10% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 88% | 83% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
136 students in this year group.
82% — about the same as the Redbridge average, and 22 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Redbridge | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 82% | 83% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 20% | 27% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 89% | 82% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Redbridge. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 186 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 120 |
| Of those, offered a place | 119 (99%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 362 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.6 · 2025: 0.5 · 2026: 0.6
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Redbridge | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 4th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Higher than 55% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 29.2% | 23.0%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 9th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Higher than 20% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 1.7% | 2.7%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 8th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Higher than 12% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 7.9% | 10.8%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 10th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Higher than 86% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 37.8% | 52.4%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 9th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Lower than 68% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.3% | 6.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 9th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Lower than 46% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 24.1% | 18.5%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 8th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Lower than 64% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.0 | 6.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 9th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Lower than 53% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 6.3% | 4.2% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded2 pupils | 0.17% | 0.08% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 9th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Higher than 27% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 15.7 | 17.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 7th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Higher than 49% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.8 | 12.5 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 10th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford. Higher than 30% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 10.2% | 16.7%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Ark Isaac Newton Academy 0.2 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2018), confirmed 2024 · 65% grade 5+ English and maths
- Seven Kings School 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2018), improved significantly 2025 · 71% grade 5+ English and maths
- Oaks Park High School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), improved significantly 2025 · 58% grade 5+ English and maths
- Loxford School 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 60% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Ursuline Academy Ilford 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 strong, 4 expected, 1 needs attention · 62% grade 5+ English and maths
- Mayfield School 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2018), confirmed 2024 · 37% grade 5+ English and maths
- Chadwell Heath Academy 1.1 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 55% grade 5+ English and maths
- Read Academy Education 1.2 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2023)
- Apex Secondary School for Girls 1.2 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 expected
- Apex Secondary School for Boys 1.2 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 expected
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is The Palmer Catholic Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Palmer Catholic Academy was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 3 February 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 4 expected, 3 needs attention, and safeguarding was met.
How did The Palmer Catholic Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 47% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 2 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend The Palmer Catholic Academy?
81% of the 37 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026 said they would recommend The Palmer Catholic Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is The Palmer Catholic Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 120 families put The Palmer Catholic Academy as their first choice for 186 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 119 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 137088.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 10 November 2025 to 6 April 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.