The Palmer Catholic Academy
Ilford, IG3 8EU · Redbridge · secondary school
Check the area around this school
17th of 19 secondary schools in Redbridge we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.3/10 against 702 of them, against 6.7/10 nationally. 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 | 10 | 35% | 0.36 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 46.5 · 54 | 30% | 1.63 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.49 · 83 | 25% | 2.08 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.5 · 63 | 10% | 0.63 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Palmer Catholic Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.49 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,132 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,174. 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
How does the new Ofsted framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What support is available for pupils aiming to raise their Attainment 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about The Palmer Catholic Academy
Overview
The Palmer Catholic Academy is described as a "well-organised, safe and calm environment" where pupils feel secure and demonstrate positive attitudes. While achievement is broadly in line with national averages and attendance is strong, the report identifies that teaching quality is variable and specific areas of provision require improvement.
Strengths
- Attendance remains "significantly above national averages" due to close monitoring and proactive support.
- Pupils benefit from a "positive, respectful and inclusive culture" underpinned by the school’s Catholic mission.
- Disadvantaged pupils generally achieve well, with outcomes in several subjects "above national averages for disadvantaged pupils."
- Staff feel "very well supported" professionally and value the attention given to their work-life balance.
- Governors are "knowledgeable" and provide both support and challenge to school leaders.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must develop staff expertise in phonics to support weaker readers effectively, as current provision is not yet embedded.
- Teaching should consistently build on prior knowledge and use assessment to check understanding, as variability currently limits progress for some pupils.
- The school needs to improve the enrichment offer and ensure pupils develop a deeper understanding of fundamental British values.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.4 |
| 2024/25 | 48.8 |
| 2025/26 | 48.5 |
| 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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