Ages 
A strict, disciplined Catholic school with a strong pastoral system to ensure young people stay on the straight and narrow. This, together with the excellent teaching and monitoring, makes this a place where young people of all abilities thrive academically. Standards haven’t slipped here in decades and it doesn’t look like they’re about to start any time soon.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,628 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 440 ·
- Religion
- RC
- Local authority
- London Borough of Redbridge
Headteacher
Headteacher
Dr Paul Doherty
Since 1981, Dr Paul Doherty OBE BA DPhil (Oxon) FRSA. Middlesbrough born and bred, he originally studied for the priesthood at Ushaw College in Durham. After gaining a history degree at Liverpool University, he won a state scholarship to Exeter
Entrance
The four main feeder primary schools are St Antony’s Woodford, St Mary’s Chingford, St John Fisher Loughton and Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead – although pupils come from around 50 in total. Looked-after children get priority, then it comes down to
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 20 per cent leave after GCSE - usually to study a vocational course at college or different subject choices at other local schools. A few do apprenticeships. Approximately 80 per cent of sixth formers to university, around half of whom go to
% 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 2024, 31 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 90 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths; 23 per cent A*/A at A level (44 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
Setting in maths from year 7, but in no other subject. ‘Mixed-ability classes work,’ insists the head – and they have the results to prove it. Strong results across the board, particularly in the core subjects of English, maths and sciences, with
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
The school’s approach to SEN (110 on SEN register, including 30 EHC plans when we visited) is no less painstaking, with one parent praising the ‘systematic approach to ensuring children get help both inside and outside the classroom – I couldn’t
Arts & extracurricular
The art suite – which includes three art studios, plus a smaller workroom – produces some striking artwork, which is displayed throughout the school. Visits to galleries often involve mixed year groups ‘so they can learn from each other’ and visiting
Sport
All the usual suspects are on offer, including hockey, netball, football and rugby, and teams frequently win competitions. Less traditional options include cycling (the school has bought in bikes), sailing (at Fairlop sailing lake), badminton and
Ethos & heritage
The school is split between two sites, with the upper site (main site) on Mornington Road and the lower site on Sydney Road, a five to 10-minute walk away. The lower site (originally the local secondary modern school, St Paul’s) is home to years 7, 8
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘Firm but fair’ is how most pupils and parents describe discipline here and it clearly does the job - pupils are well behaved and there have been no temporary or permanent exclusions for at least three years. ‘All the students know the rules and that
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 In Years 7-11, students are allowed to have mobile phones in their school bag but these devices MUST be switched off at all times between entry and exit from the school site. Phones must not be used during lessons, at break time, lunch time or when commuting between sites. Smart watches must also not be used at all to receive or send messages or access the internet throughout the school day. In Years 12-13, students should not use their mobile phones around the wider school site, nor wear airpods or headphones. Sixth Formers are welcome to use these in their common rooms or in the Learning Resource Centre for study purposes during their study periods.
Pupils & parents
A great diversity of backgrounds and ethnicity, with 47 per cent minority ethnic (predominantly Black Caribbean), with the common denominator being – surprise, surprise – Catholicism (93 per cent). Although there’s no PA, parents feel involved and
Money matters
Parents are generous in their financial support, with a Gift Aid scheme in place for those who donate either via standing order or one off donation. Trinity holds funds to support those in need and parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the head
The last word
A strict, disciplined Catholic school with a strong pastoral system to ensure young people stay on the straight and narrow. This, together with the excellent teaching and monitoring, makes this a place where young people of all abilities thrive
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
