Sacred Heart Catholic School
London, SE5 0RP · Southwark · secondary school
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2nd of 19 secondary schools in Southwark we can score, 20 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.8/10 against 322 of them, against 9.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 70.1 · 90 | 30% | 2.71 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 1.24 · 99 | 25% | 2.48 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 57.4 · 89 | 10% | 0.89 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sacred Heart Catholic School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.8% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 58.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +1.24 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Sacred Heart Harmonies, Brass Band, Rock Band, School Musical, and Duke of Edinburgh. Sports include Rugby Union, Netball, Table Tennis, Football, Basketball, Badminton, Swimming, and Gymnastics. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 950 pupils against a stated capacity of 750. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
With the roll exceeding capacity by 200, how does the school manage class sizes for new intakes? How does the after-school club support pupils with transport needs? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to raise their Attainment 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about Sacred Heart Catholic School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "extremely positive about their learning" and "all pupils achieve highly." Leaders have created a "very high-quality curriculum" that is both "broad and ambitious," supported by experienced subject experts who ensure knowledge builds securely. The school fosters a culture of respect, resilience, kindness, and honesty, with strong emphasis on personal development and community engagement.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully designed and sequenced," allowing pupils to develop "strong subject-specific skills" and secure knowledge across all subjects.
- Pupils benefit from "regular, effective support" for reading and "tailored assistance" for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils are "courteous, kindly, interested in their learning" and "routinely support each other to achieve their best."
- The school offers extensive enrichment, including clubs, charity work, and a "broad careers programme" with quality independent advice.
- Attendance is treated as a "top priority," with immediate follow-up on absences and effective support for families.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 58.1 |
| 2024/25 | 58.0 |
| 2025/26 | 57.4 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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