Ages 
Pupils are ‘deeply cared for’ and excel academically. Layer on the broad co-curricular opportunities and what emerges are well rounded, principled contributors to society with their feet firmly on the ground. ‘As good as any private school,’ said one parent.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,884 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 478 ·
- Religion
- RC
- Local authority
- Surrey County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Mr Paul Gower
Since 2022, Paul Gower, a working-class lad, who himself enjoyed a Catholic education before studying English and sports science at St Mary’s university and a PGCE at Brunel. Embarked on a career as a PE teacher where he found that the natural
Entrance
The school describes its ethos as ‘building the kingdom’ and, as the saying goes, ‘if you build it, they shall come’. They certainly do here, in their droves. Extremely oversubscribed – nearly 800 applicants for 280 places (nine form entry). Priority
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 60 per cent stay on for sixth form, with leavers heading off to FE colleges, The Brit School and Dorking Football Academy. A few opt for apprenticeships at local businesses, including GM Construction. Weekly careers sessions and university
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 49 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 82 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths; 42 per cent A*/A at A level (75 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
‘It’s cool to achieve in this environment,’ says school, which has a clear culture of high expectation and aspiration. A focus on teacher-pupil relationships is at the heart of the approach, with a curriculum described on the school website as
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Expansive learning support department is set on the ground floor of a Cullum Centre, one of four units in Surrey dedicated to helping autistic pupils thrive in mainstream schools. Places here are like gold dust – just four per year group, with
Arts & extracurricular
A room full of teenagers strangling each other is not what we expected when we walked into the drama studio, but it was stage combat week for year 9s on the day of our visit and they were having a whale of a time.
Three productions a year. A
Sport
Fantastically swish new sports centre opened by local Olympian Mo Farah in 2023. Overlooks school’s three astro pitches and includes vast sports hall, fitness suite and smart changing facilities. There’s another sports field across the road too. One
Ethos & heritage
School was established over 100 years ago and founded on the Salesian philosophy of St John Bosco, who dedicated his life to releasing the potential of every child through education and compassion. His writings are ubiquitous across the school,
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘If you’re a fan of termtime holidays away and extreme hair styles, don’t come here,’ says head unapologetically. Boundaries are clear, approach is strict, delivery is compassionate. ‘We do sweat the small stuff here, disordered life very quickly
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Year 7 students are not allowed to bring smartphones to school, with this rule gradually extending to all of Key Stage 3 over the next three years. Older students may bring phones, but strict rules apply: devices must be switched off and kept out of sight during school hours until 3:30pm. A first instance of misuse results in a 24-hour confiscation, with phones returned to parents. A second misuse leads to a three-week confiscation and a meeting with school leadership. The policy aims to minimise distractions and promote responsible phone use.
Pupils & parents
Pupils we spoke to were polite and respectful, emitting decency, community service and work ethic rather than fierce self-serving ambition. Most from families with similar stripes and Catholic leaning of varying levels. Parents are expected to be
Money matters
Bursary fund is available at 16-19 to support those in defined vulnerable groups who face financial barriers to continued studying. Dependent on behaviour, performance and attendance, they can take the form of travelcards, equipment, payment for
The last word
Pupils are ‘deeply cared for’ and excel academically. Layer on the broad co-curricular opportunities and what emerges are well rounded, principled contributors to society with their feet firmly on the ground. ‘As good as any private school,’ said one
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection:
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
