De La Salle School, Basildon Review 2026: A Faith-Led Community Leader

Signum Fidei (Sign of Faith) serves as the guiding star for this Roman Catholic comprehensive, and for families in Basildon, the school acts as a beacon of consistency. As the only Catholic secondary school in the district, De La Salle occupies a unique position in the local educational landscape. It is a smaller-than-average secondary school with a capacity of 750 students, creating an environment where anonymity is impossible and pastoral care is personal.

The school is part of a global network of Lasallian schools, a connection that influences everything from the curriculum to the charity work students undertake. While the intake is non-selective, the academic outcomes are consistently strong for the locality. For parents, the draw is often the combination of firm discipline, traditional values, and a size that feels manageable rather than overwhelming.

The moment students pass the reception desk, the school's identity is clear. This is not merely a school that happens to be Catholic; it is a faith community where the chapel acts as the spiritual heart of the campus. The atmosphere is calm and orderly, reflecting the Lasallian core values of respect and inclusivity.

Mr Paul Norris has led the school as Headteacher since 2019. As a former student himself, his leadership is characterised by deep personal investment and high visibility. Under his tenure, the school has maintained its Good Ofsted rating, with the latest inspection in May 2024 confirming this judgement. Inspectors noted the warm relationships between staff and students, a testament to the school's close-knit nature.

The buildings are a mix of mid-20th-century blocks and newer additions, functional rather than grand. However, the displays in corridors celebrating student achievement and Lasallian heritage add warmth to the fabric of the school. The distinct uniform, worn with pride, signals membership of a community that views itself as a family. Students describe the school as strict but fair, where rules regarding uniform and conduct are enforced to create a distraction-free learning environment.

De La Salle School stands as a strong academic contender in its context. In 2024, the school ranked 1st among secondary schools in Basildon for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking), cementing its reputation as a premier state option in the town.

On the national stage, performance reflects solid achievement. The school ranks 1,880th in England, placing it in the 'national typical' band. This indicates performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The 2024 cohort achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 44.6. While this is slightly below the England average of 46.2, it must be viewed in the context of the school's local leadership. The Progress 8 score of -0.2 suggests that students make progress broadly in line with national trends.

For the EBacc (English Baccalaureate), 20.5% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above, demonstrating that a significant portion of the cohort succeeds in the core academic suite of English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.

The curriculum at De La Salle is broad and balanced, designed to keep options open for students as long as possible. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), students follow a full suite of subjects including Art, Drama, Music, Technology, and Computer Science alongside the core academic pillars.

Teaching follows a structured framework. Lessons typically begin with a recall activity to consolidate prior learning, followed by teacher instruction and guided practice. The 2024 Ofsted inspection praised the carefully designed curriculum but noted that, at times, expectations in Key Stage 3 could be higher to ensure all pupils are fully challenged.

Religious Education is a core subject for all students through to GCSE. It is treated with the same academic rigour as English or Mathematics, and results in this department are historically strong. The school also places emphasis on literacy, with reading initiatives embedded across the school day to support students in accessing complex texts in all subjects.

De La Salle is an 11-16 school, meaning there is no sixth form on site. This structural reality means the school is entirely focused on the journey to GCSE, without the distraction of older students. However, it also means that Year 11 becomes a crucial year of transition planning.

The school has strong links with local post-16 providers. The majority of students progress to USP College (Seevic or Palmer's campuses) or South Essex College. A number of high-achieving students secure places at the selective grammar school sixth forms in Southend or Westcliff, or travel to Anglo European School.

The Careers lead works intensively with Year 10 and 11 students to ensure they have secure offers. The school hosts an annual careers fair and facilitates taster days at local colleges to demystify the next step.

Admission to De La Salle is highly competitive, reflecting its status as a top-performing school in Basildon. In 2024, the school received 779 applications for just 141 places. This results in a subscription ratio of approximately 5.5 applications for every seat, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in the area.

As a Catholic school, the admissions policy prioritises Catholic children. Families applying under faith criteria must submit a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and a Certificate of Catholic Practice, signed by their parish priest, by the 31 October deadline.

The oversubscription criteria follow a strict hierarchy:

1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children.
2. Baptised Catholic children with a Certificate of Catholic Practice.
3. Other Baptised Catholic children.
4. Other looked-after children.
5. Siblings of current students.
6. Members of other Christian denominations.
7. Other children.

Given the intense demand, families living outside the immediate area who do not meet the top faith criteria have a very low statistical chance of securing a place.

Pastoral care is the backbone of the De La Salle experience. The school operates a Year Group system, with Heads of Year staying with their cohort as they move up the school. This ensures continuity and means families have a consistent point of contact who knows their child's history.

The school's chaplaincy team is active and visible. They provide a "sanctuary" space for students who need quiet reflection or a listening ear. The chaplaincy coordinates retreats and liturgies, ensuring that the spiritual life of the school provides genuine support for mental health and wellbeing.

Safeguarding is robust. The school has a dedicated team for student welfare who work closely with external agencies to support vulnerable families. A strict anti-bullying policy is in place, and students report that while bullying can happen, staff deal with it quickly when reported.

The extracurricular offer is designed to develop the "whole person," a key tenet of Lasallian education. Sport is a major pillar, with the school punching above its weight in district competitions. The sports hall and outdoor courts host regular fixtures in football, netball, and basketball.

Music and Drama are central to the school's cultural life. The annual school production is a highlight, involving dozens of students on stage and behind the scenes. The choir performs at school Masses and community events, maintaining a high standard of liturgical music.

Charity work is not an optional extra; it is an expectation. Each year group supports specific charities, often linked to Lasallian developing world projects. This fosters a sense of global responsibility. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered at Bronze and Silver levels, with high uptake among Year 9 and 10 students.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The site is located in the Ghyllgrove area of Basildon, roughly a 20-minute walk from Basildon train station. Many students travel by public bus or dedicated school transport routes which serve the wider Catholic catchment area.

Uniform requirements are strict. Blazers must be worn, shirts tucked in, and ties at the correct length. The school views the uniform as a leveller and a sign of professional readiness.

No Sixth Form: Families must be aware that the school ends at Year 11. Students will have to move institution for their A-levels or BTECs. This offers a fresh start at 16 but requires a transition that 11-18 schools avoid.

Faith commitment: The Catholic ethos is pervasive. Attendance at Mass and participation in religious activities is expected of all students, regardless of their personal faith background. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious practice may find this environment challenging.

Intense competition: With 5.5 applications per place, De La Salle is heavily oversubscribed. It is essentially the default choice for many families in Basildon seeking a structured education. Parents should have a realistic backup plan if they do not meet the higher criteria of the admissions policy.

Key Stage 3 Challenge: The latest Ofsted report noted that work in Key Stage 3 is not always demanding enough. Parents of highly able children may need to ensure their child is being fully stretched during these early years.

De La Salle School, Basildon, offers a structured, supportive, and academically sound education that outperforms its local rivals. It is a place where traditional values and modern teaching meet. Best suited to families who value a strong faith ethos and clear discipline, and who want their children to be known by name in a close-knit community. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular and oversubscribed school.