All Saints Catholic School and Technology College Review 2026: Outstanding State Comprehensive

The chapel bells mark the hours at All Saints Catholic School, where a remarkable transformation has been sustained over more than three decades. What began as Bishop Ward in 1954 merged with Sacred Heart convent school in 1989 to create an institution that has become one of Barking and Dagenham's educational anchors. With approximately 1,400 pupils aged 11-18, this voluntary aided Catholic comprehensive serves a richly diverse community where 92% of students speak English as an additional language. The school achieved Outstanding in every measured area at its May 2024 inspection, marking a decisive leap from its previous Good rating and cementing its position among the top 20% of secondary schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking).

The school's identity reflects both its Roman Catholic heritage and its resolutely modern ambitions. Students demonstrate exceptional levels of respect, intellectual curiosity and consideration for others across lessons and during social time. Behaviour between classes is notably calm, and in the dining hall, the atmosphere is pleasant and orderly. Attendance has been consistently high over many years, sustained by active support from school leaders working alongside families.

Ms Clare Cantle, headteacher since 2016, leads with genuine commitment to inclusion. Her predecessor Kevin Wilson (2006-2016) continued the steady improvement that began under Des Smith, whose tenure from 1989 to 2006 saw the newly merged school recognised in 2003 as the second most improved school in England. That trajectory has continued. The school holds National Teaching School status since 2012, offering training placements and demonstrating sustained commitment to educational excellence across the sector.

The Catholic character is woven through daily life without apology. Year 7 welcomes typically include a Mass at Brentwood Cathedral. The chaplaincy team, many members of the Society of St Joseph, act as visible role models. A chapel serves as the spiritual centre where pupils and staff gather for Mass throughout the week. Religious education is taught with rigour, and the school's curriculum explicitly integrates Gospel values. For families of other faiths or secular backgrounds, this commitment is clear: the school is Catholic in character and practice, and that shapes everything from timetabled worship to the language used in assemblies.

The school's five curriculum pathways ensure that every pupil, regardless of their starting point or learning profile, studies an ambitious, challenging curriculum. This deliberate design means no child follows an inappropriate course simply to manage behaviour or attainment levels.

GCSE Performance

With an Attainment 8 score of 53.8 and a Progress 8 score of +0.72, All Saints demonstrates above-average progress from pupils' starting points. These figures place the school in the top 25% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), ranking 902nd nationally for GCSE outcomes. Locally, it ranks 4th among Barking and Dagenham schools. The English Baccalaureate pass rate stands at 32%, indicating a solid proportion of pupils pursuing sciences, languages, history or geography alongside English and mathematics.

The May 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed that pupils achieve highly at all ages, with strong published academic outcomes. The school ensures teaching supports pupils' learning across all subjects, with teachers demonstrating excellent subject knowledge. Regular checks on pupils' understanding enable them to connect new learning to what they have already learned, building secure foundations.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form, which comprises approximately 209 students, achieved an Outstanding grade from Ofsted inspectors. At A-level, 48% of students achieved A*-B grades, placing the school in the middle tier of sixth form performance nationally (ranking 1,254th in England, FindMySchool data). This represents solid achievement, though the progression from GCSE to A-level suggests students may face increased challenge as course content becomes more demanding.

The school offers extensive post-16 choices across approximately 25 A-level and vocational qualifications, guiding students to select courses that support their individual strengths and aspirations. Sixth form enrichment activities include voice coaching, art and first aid, ensuring all students develop beyond their academic specialism.

In 2024, 80% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with 1 student securing an Oxbridge place and 8 total applications made. Local and international businesses visit to broaden career understanding, particularly emphasising paths in finance and creative industries.

The curriculum has been carefully designed over many years and continues to be refined. In Years 7 to 9, pupils study a full, ambitious curriculum based on the best thinking across and beyond the national curriculum. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and use well-planned lessons with regular recall and revision strategies woven throughout. Pupils routinely experience themed learning days (languages day, for example), subject-specific competitions (mathematics challenge), and enriching trips to art galleries and historical sites.

The school provides structured support for pupils learning English as an additional language, with dedicated programmes to build confidence and fluency. Pupils with special educational needs receive the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, with teaching very effectively adapted to ensure they achieve their best. The additionally resourced provision in the sixth form supports up to 15 students with moderate learning difficulties, providing tailored curricula that prepare them fully for further study and adult life.

Technology specialism, established when the school first gained specialist college status, continues to shape provision. Computing is offered as a core subject, with coding and digital literacy integrated across the curriculum. This foundation reflects the school's early recognition of technology's significance in education.

University progression is a significant strength. Beyond the 80% university entry rate, the school has achieved recognition for strong Russell Group outcomes in recent years. In 2021, students progressed to Oxford University and secured multiple places at medicine schools, reflecting the academic calibre of higher-achieving cohorts. The careers programme is well-structured, with unbiased advice, subject-specific career teaching, and engagement from employers across diverse sectors.

The sixth form leadership team organises whole-school activities, including charity fundraising, positioning Year 12 and 13 as role models for younger pupils. Leadership opportunities throughout the school include well-being ambassadors, form captains and school council membership, through which students take responsibility for whole-community well-being.

The school's programme of extra-curricular activities is very extensive, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, participate fully. Named activities include judo, computing, dance, an orchestra and two choirs. A psychology club engages younger pupils in applied thinking. The school hosts a Dragons' Den-inspired business competition where Year 7 pupils pitch ideas to a panel, combining entrepreneurship with public speaking. A mathematics challenge provides competitive enrichment. Many pupils participate in school plays, with drama offered at GCSE and A-level.

Music features prominently. The orchestra and two choirs cater to different ability levels and interests. Senior instrumental music tuition is available, though fees apply beyond standard tuition. Themed music performances and recitals punctuate the year.

Sports provision includes football, netball and basketball, with fixtures coordinated across the local authority youth sports framework. Pupils in Years 7 to 11 have the opportunity to represent the school on the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum, fostering civic engagement.

The house system organises collective identity around four houses, with house points rewarding academic and behavioural achievement. This structure supports pastoral oversight and creates smaller communities within the large secondary.

Service to the wider community is emphasised through the Catholic curriculum. Form groups prepare Christmas hampers for elderly and vulnerable members of the community. Pupils participate in charitable collections during Advent and Easter, including support for CAFOD (the Catholic aid charity). These practices embed Gospel values of service and social justice into daily school life.

Admissions at Year 7 are coordinated through Barking and Dagenham Local Authority. The school is non-selective, meaning admission does not depend on entrance examination or interview. However, the school is a voluntary aided Catholic institution, which means Catholic families receive priority in admissions according to the published admissions policy. Families of other faiths or no faith may apply, but will be allocated places after Catholic candidates. It is essential that families read and understand the admissions criteria before applying.

In-year admissions (moves into the school outside September entry) are also handled through the local authority. The sixth form welcomes external applicants, though entry typically requires GCSE achievements demonstrating readiness for A-level or vocational study.

School day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for Years 7-11. The sixth form day is organised differently, reflecting greater student autonomy. The school provides on-site parking and is accessible by public transport; the nearest London Underground stations are within walking distance. Uniform is required throughout the school, and standards are consistently enforced.

The school operates on a traditional three-term calendar with half-term breaks. School meals are provided daily, with free school meals available to eligible families. Parents access the school via the ParentPay platform for communications, payments and updates.

Diverse, multilingual cohort. With 92% of pupils speaking English as an additional language, the school is genuinely multicultural. This is a strength, but families should understand that many pupils will be navigating English as a second or third language, which influences whole-class pace and communication home.

Catholic character is central, not peripheral. Daily Mass, prayers, religious education with an explicit Catholic perspective, and explicit teaching of Catholic doctrine mean that non-Catholic families must be comfortable with this environment. The school welcomes pupils of other faiths and none, but they live within a Catholic community.

Progress 8 suggests potential support needs. The Progress 8 score of +0.72, whilst positive, is moderate rather than exceptional. Pupils entering below expected standard at Year 7 (which describes the cohort here) make solid progress but may not catch up to national age-related expectations. Families supporting learning at home will see tangible benefit.

Limited sixth form selectivity, but high competition. External applicants to the sixth form are welcome, but places are limited. Students from the main school have internal priority. Academic entry requirements are published on the school website.

All Saints is an outstanding comprehensive that serves its diverse community with genuine commitment. The May 2024 Ofsted judgment across all areas (Outstanding for quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and sixth form provision) validates more than three decades of sustained improvement. Pupils achieve well, feel safe, and experience teaching from subject experts. The Catholic character is genuine and pervasive, enriching the curriculum with explicit values of service and Gospel justice.

This school suits families who value a strong pastoral structure, ambitious curriculum, and Catholic education. It particularly suits students entering below age-related expectations; the school's five pathways and careful curriculum design ensure progress is tracked and celebrated. Best suited to families within or near the Barking and Dagenham area who are comfortable with the school's Catholic identity and who recognise that a diverse, multilingual environment strengthens their child's understanding of community, resilience and cross-cultural respect.