St Columba's Catholic Boys' School Review 2026: Faith, Discipline, and Purposeful Learning

Set within the leafy residential streets of Bexleyheath, St Columba's Catholic Boys' School provides a structured and supportive environment for its students. As a voluntary aided Catholic school and a proud member of the St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust, it occupies a specific niche in the Bexley educational landscape. The school offers a single-sex education that prioritises character development alongside academic progress, serving a diverse catchment area across the London Borough of Bexley and neighbouring Kent.

The leadership team is headed by Mr Dave Evans, who has been in post since September 2022. Under his guidance, the school has maintained a consistent reputation for stability and inclusive excellence. The school holds a Good rating from Ofsted, following a routine inspection in November 2024 that confirmed its effective culture of safeguarding and positive behaviour. For families seeking a traditional boys' secondary education rooted in Christian values, St Columba's remains a prominent and highly regarded choice.

The atmosphere at Halcot Avenue is one of calm, orderly purpose. The school's motto, Sursum Corda (Lift up your hearts), is more than a historical artifact; it is woven into the daily rhythm of school life. Morning liturgies and regular opportunities for reflection create a shared sense of identity that students appear to embrace.

Physically, the school campus has seen significant modernisation. While some original structures remain, the addition of specialised facilities for technology and the arts has updated the learning environment. The site is compact, which encourages a close knit community feel where staff and students know one another well.

The Catholic identity is explicit. There is a strong emphasis on service and social justice, with students regularly involved in charitable initiatives. This ethos translates into a behaviour policy that focuses on respect and responsibility. Teachers have high expectations, and students generally meet them, resulting in a school environment that is focused and free from disruption. Pupils are keen to come to this happy, inclusive school, as noted in recent official observations.

Performance at St Columba's is reliable and sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). According to the latest 2025 data published by the school, the overall Attainment 8 score rose to 51.4, which is comfortably above the England average.

In terms of academic progress, the school's Progress 8 score historically sits around +0.04, indicating that students make progress broadly in line with their peers nationally from their starting points. Locally, the school ranks 3rd among secondary providers in Bexleyheath for GCSE outcomes. This is a proprietary FindMySchool ranking based on official data.

While the school does not have its own sixth form, its GCSE results provide a solid foundation for students moving on to local colleges and grammar school sixth forms. In the 2024 results, the school was particularly noted for a strong performance in English and Maths, with 53.2% of students achieving a grade 5 or above in both subjects.

The curriculum at St Columba's is designed to be accessible yet challenging. There is a particular focus on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science, but the school also maintains a strong commitment to the humanities and Religious Education. Teaching is characterised by clear structures and explicit instructions, which suits the learning styles of many students in a single-sex environment.

The school is noted for its "special classes" or enhanced provision for students with additional needs. The inclusion team is well integrated, ensuring that students with SEND receive tailored support within the classroom. This inclusive approach is a defining feature of the school's academic philosophy. The school's specially resourced provision includes separate bases for pupils with speech, communication, and language difficulties as well as those with complex needs.

Teachers are subject specialists who are often described as being deeply committed to the school's mission. Lessons frequently include opportunities for collaborative work, helping students to develop the social skills necessary for life beyond school.

Where Students Go Next

As a school serving students from age 11 to 16, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical focus. St Columba's has well established links with local post-16 providers, including school sixth forms across the South East London Catholic Academy Trust.

A significant proportion of students progress to A level pathways or Level 3 vocational qualifications. The school's careers programme provides early intervention starting in Year 7. This ensures that by the time students reach Year 11, they have a clear understanding of their options, whether they are aiming for university-track A levels or prestigious apprenticeships. Alumni frequently return to speak at assemblies and careers events, inspiring current students with their successes in business and international sport.

Securing a place at St Columba's requires careful planning. While some recent data suggests varying levels of 1st preference applications, the school has historically been oversubscribed, particularly for its 135 available places in Year 7.

Admissions are handled via the Bexley Co-ordinated Secondary School Admissions Scheme. Priority is given to looked after Catholic children, followed by baptised Catholic children attending named feeder schools or living in specified parishes. Parents must complete the Bexley Common Application Form (CAF) and are strongly encouraged to submit the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to verify faith status. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the St Columba's experience. The school operates a year group system, with each year led by a Head of Year and a team of form tutors who provide the first point of contact for students.

The 2024 Ofsted report confirmed that safeguarding arrangements are effective and that pupils feel safe and well supported. The school's chaplaincy plays a vital role in wellbeing, providing a listening ear and spiritual guidance. Bullying is not tolerated, and the school uses a restorative justice approach to resolve conflicts, which helps students learn from their mistakes.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied, with a strong emphasis on physical activity and team building.

Sport

The school has a competitive sports culture, particularly in football, rugby, and athletics. The "Red and Black" teams are well known in Bexley school leagues.

STEM

Clubs and leadership opportunities help pupils develop as responsible, resilient individuals.

Creative Arts

The school choir and drama club perform regularly, with the annual Christmas liturgy and summer production being highlights of the school calendar.

DofE

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is popular, with many students completing their Bronze awards during their time here.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:15pm. For travel, the school is well served by local bus routes, and Bexleyheath railway station is within walking distance. While the school does not offer formal on-site wraparound care in the same manner as a primary school, a variety of supervised after school clubs run regularly.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded school with no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for costs associated with the school uniform, educational trips, and music lessons where applicable. The school receives Pupil Premium funding to support disadvantaged students, ensuring all pupils have access to the full curriculum and extracurricular opportunities regardless of financial background.

• Faith commitment: The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• No on-site Sixth Form: Students must transition to a new environment at age 16. While this prepares them for the independence of college life, it requires a second application process in Year 11.
• Admissions status: While demand varies, the school's religious criteria mean that for Catholic families in the borough, it remains a primary choice. Families should check current application ratios annually as these fluctuate.

St Columba's Catholic Boys' School is a robust choice for parents who value a traditional, faith-based education in an environment that understands how boys learn. It offers a stable academic platform, excellent pastoral care, and a clear moral framework. It is best suited to Catholic families in the Bexley and North Kent area who want a community-focused school that emphasises both character and achievement.