The Campion School Review 2026: A Catholic Community with Sporting Spirit

Sitting on a spacious site in Hornchurch, The Campion School is one of the most distinctive state boys' schools in East London. Founded in 1962 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), it retains a powerful Catholic ethos and a reputation for sporting excellence that rivals the independent sector. With around 1,000 students, including a mixed Sixth Form, it combines the structure of a traditional grammar with the inclusivity of a comprehensive. The 2024 GCSE results place it among the top 16% of schools in England, confirming its status as an academic heavyweight in Havering.

The long driveway off Wingletye Lane leads to a campus that feels established and purposeful. A statue of St Edmund Campion stands watch, signalling immediately that faith is central here. The school motto, Ametur Cor Jesu (Loved be the Heart of Jesus), is not merely decorative; the Jesuit influence remains visible in the emphasis on service and "men for others".

Mr Paul Larner, appointed Headteacher in 2022, leads a school that balances academic rigour with a palpable sense of community. The atmosphere is energetic but disciplined. Boys move between lessons in blazers with a sense of collective identity, fostered heavily by the school’s sporting culture. It is a place where singing in the choir and playing in the 1st XV are viewed with equal respect, though the roar of a Saturday rugby fixture is arguably the school's heartbeat.

Academic performance at GCSE is a clear strength. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 55.3, significantly ahead of the England average of 45.9. Ranked 730th in England and 2nd in Havering for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), The Campion School sits in the "national strong" tier. This performance reflects a curriculum that serves boys well during the critical middle years.

At A-level, the picture is solid rather than spectacular. The percentage of grades at A*-B was 42.8% in 2024. While respectable, this ranks 1,610th in England and sits in the national lower band (60th percentile), suggesting that the value-added at Sixth Form is less aggressive than at GCSE. However, the school remains a top local performer, ranking 4th in Havering for post-16 outcomes.

The curriculum is broad but traditional, with a strong emphasis on core subjects. As a designated Science College, STEM subjects are well-resourced. Teachers understand how boys learn: lessons tend to be structured, interactive, and fast-paced.

There is a clear focus on literacy, crucial for boys, and the library is a busy hub. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is integrated well, with the learning support department working closely with pastoral leads to ensure no boy slips through the net.

Destinations data reveals a highly pragmatic and career-focused Sixth Form culture. While 51% of leavers head to university, a remarkable 20% secure apprenticeships—far higher than the national average. This reflects a school that actively promotes high-level vocational pathways alongside traditional degrees.

Graduates regularly secure places at Russell Group universities, and the school has a steady, if modest, record of Oxbridge success. The strong alumni network often helps students secure work placements in the City, particularly in finance and engineering.

Admission is competitive. The Campion School is consistently oversubscribed, with approximately 2.6 applications for every Year 7 place in 2024. As a Catholic school, priority is strictly given to baptised Catholic boys from practising families.

Applications must be made to the London Borough of Havering, but a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is mandatory and must be returned directly to the school, typically by late October. A Certificate of Catholic Practice is usually required. The intake is 150 boys. Geography plays a role only after faith criteria are met, meaning non-Catholic local families rarely secure places.

The pastoral system is built around year groups, with Form Tutors providing the first line of support. The Catholic ethos provides a strong moral framework; virtues like compassion and forgiveness are explicitly taught.

Safeguarding is robust. The 2021 Ofsted inspection praised the "culture of vigilance" and noted that pupils feel safe. The transition from primary school is handled carefully, with a summer school often available to help new Year 7s settle before the academic year begins.

Extracurricular life is dominated by one word: Rugby. The Campion School is one of the premier state rugby schools in the UK, regularly competing on equal terms with major independent schools and producing professional players. The fixture list is extensive, and Saturday mornings are busy.

However, it is not just about sport. Music is a major pillar, with a renowned choir that tours internationally and performs regularly in the school’s chapel and concerts. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with high completion rates at Bronze and Silver. STEM clubs, debating, and drama productions ensure that boys with non-sporting interests are well catered for.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Located in Hornchurch, the site is accessible via several bus routes (248, 252, 256) and is a short bus ride from Upminster Bridge or Hornchurch Underground stations. There is no on-site nursery.

Faith commitment expected. The admissions criteria are strict. Families must be able to demonstrate Catholic practice. Those who attend Mass sporadically may find themselves well down the waiting list.

Rugby culture. While the school offers many activities, the rugby culture is pervasive. Boys who have no interest in contact sports may sometimes feel on the periphery of the school's main social currency, though the music department offers a strong alternative community.

Sixth Form shift. The Sixth Form welcomes girls, changing the dynamic from a single-sex environment to a co-educational one for the final two years. This is generally seen as a positive preparation for university, but families should be aware of the shift.

The Campion School offers a compelling package: the sporting ambition and traditional values of an independent school, free of charge. With GCSE results in the top 16% of England and a vocational pathway that rivals its academic one, it prepares boys exceptionally well for the real world. Best suited to Catholic families who want a disciplined, spirited education where sport and faith play central roles. The main challenge is securing a place.