The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2012).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 48.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2012
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
48.8
5.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
47%
5.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
40%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.11
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
94%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
0%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 187 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 89 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,155
- Capacity
- 98%
- FSM
- 26.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Redbridge
- Trust
- THE GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC TRUST
- Head
- Mr Paul Downey (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Aldborough Road South, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex, IG3 8EU
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmOak House School
Independent · 728m away
South Park Primary School
Primary · 740m away
SS Peter and Paul's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 854m away
Gordon Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Winston Way Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
Mayespark Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Hyleford School
Special school · 1.6km away
Loxford School
All-through · Grammar · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Palmer Catholic Academy a selective school?
No. The Palmer Catholic Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Palmer Catholic Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Palmer Catholic Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Palmer Catholic Academy?
The Palmer Catholic Academy currently has 1,155 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Palmer Catholic Academy take?
The Palmer Catholic Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Palmer Catholic Academy?
The Palmer Catholic Academy is in Ilford, IG3 8EU, in the Redbridge local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Palmer Catholic Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, The Palmer Catholic Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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