Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School Review 2026: Outstanding Education with a Strong Catholic Heart

The large illuminated cross above Streatham Common glows at night, visible for miles, a symbol of the school's commitment to its Catholic mission. Bishop Thomas Grant opened in 1959 as the first Catholic comprehensive in the South of England, founded on the vision of Canon Crowley and built on land donated by the Diocese of Southwark. Nearly seven decades later, it remains one of South London's most sought-after schools. With 1,175 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school combines scale with genuine pastoral oversight. The school's motto, Instaurare Omnia In Christo (To Unite All Things in Christ), runs through every aspect of daily life. Recent Ofsted inspection in February 2025 confirmed the school's Outstanding status, reinforcing its position in the top of state secondary schools in England. The school ranks 590th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 13% of schools.

At drop-off, the atmosphere is immediately striking. Students move purposefully between lessons in blazers, engaged and focused. The campus sits prominently at the top of Streatham Common, its Victorian and modern buildings creating a blend of heritage and contemporary facility. Behaviour is consistently excellent; staff and students greet one another with genuine respect. The Catholic ethos is authentic and pervasive without being exclusionary. Daily Mass, prayer in form periods, and explicit religious education are central to the experience, yet the school serves families of all faiths with genuine inclusivity.

Ms Bernadette Boyle has led the school since November 2016, arriving from a teaching background and bringing steady, purposeful leadership. Under her stewardship, the school has maintained its Outstanding rating while continuing to evolve. Staff retention is strong, with many teachers spending entire careers here. The school's commitment to inclusivity is evidenced by its above-average proportion of students with statements of special educational needs, all of whom receive dedicated support through the Learning Support Department led by Ms Justine Wellington.

The school's Catholic identity is woven throughout the curriculum and the wider life of the community. Students participate in regular charitable work, including fundraising for local organisations like Spires (a homeless support charity), The Children's Trust, and Kids for Kids. The Police Cadets programme is popular, with many students gaining valuable experience in community service.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, an average Attainment 8 score of 59.4 reflects solid progress across the cohort. The school's Progress 8 score of +0.74 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points, a particularly impressive figure given the school's comprehensive intake. Approximately 41% of students achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate, demonstrating broad subject engagement. The school's GCSE ranking of 590th in England (FindMySchool ranking) places it comfortably in the top 13% of schools, with a local rank of 2nd among Lambeth schools, reflecting consistent excellence within its local context.

The school's specialist status in Mathematics and ICT is evident in strong uptake and performance across these subjects. A large majority of students pursue Modern Foreign Languages, and most take either History or Geography, giving them the full range of EBacc subjects. This breadth reflects the school's commitment to a well-rounded education rather than narrow specialism.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form, reopened in 2009 after a 23-year closure, has become a genuine success story. The 2025 A-level results show 45% achieving A*-A grades, 89% achieving A*-C, and 100% pass rate. These figures represent sustained excellence. The school ranks 598th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 23% of sixth forms. With approximately 132 leavers in the 2023-24 cohort, the sixth form has grown to a meaningful size while maintaining quality.

In the most recent cohort, destinations included Cambridge (History), Royal Veterinary College (Veterinary Medicine), Trinity Laban (Jazz), Durham (Engineering and Classics), St Andrews (Astrophysics and Theoretical Physics), UCL (Law, Mathematics, Chemistry), Imperial College (Chemistry), and Trinity College Oxford. Three students secured medical school places. Medicine, law, and STEM subjects remain popular choices. The school's culture of supporting ambitious applications is evident in the detailed guidance provided to students navigating Oxbridge and Russell Group applications.

Teaching is structured and ambitious. At Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School, the curriculum follows the national framework with notable enrichment. At KS3, students develop foundational knowledge across all subjects. French begins in Year 7 and is taught by specialists. Mathematics is set from Year 4 onwards (in primary years, but this indicates the school's approach to differentiation). The school's specialist status in Mathematics and ICT shapes curriculum design, with specialist teaching and up-to-date technology throughout.

The Music Department demonstrates particular strength. Students gain theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills, with vocal training, keyboard instruction, composition, and exposure to diverse musical styles including folk, classical, jazz, world, and pop. The department offers a rich curriculum that supports both the musically experienced and those discovering music for the first time. Teachers have expert subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly. Year 6 pupils receive additional consolidation sessions in spring term to prepare for public examinations, demonstrating the school's commitment to structured preparation.

Religious Education is taught as a rigorous academic subject, not merely devotional instruction. Students engage with theological concepts, scripture, and contemporary ethical issues. PSHE and Citizenship are taught during dedicated drop-down days and form periods, ensuring students develop personal and social competence alongside academic learning.

The school's pastoral structure is a genuine strength. Each year group is divided into form groups of approximately 20 students, with consistent form tutors throughout their time at the school. Tutors know their students intimately and act as advocates and advisors. The house system (traditional in Catholic schools) creates additional community and competition, with houses organising charitable activities, sports fixtures, and social events throughout the year.

The Learning Support Department, led by Ms Justine Wellington, provides comprehensive support for students with special educational needs. Staff work both within classes and in small groups, with one-to-one tuition available where needed. The school's commitment to inclusion is reflected in its above-average proportion of students with EHCPs, all of whom receive personalised programmes carefully monitored and regularly amended.

A school counsellor visits weekly for students requiring additional emotional support. The school's commitment to student safety is rigorous, with clear safeguarding procedures and regular training for staff. Parent View data from 2024-25 shows 70% of parents strongly agreeing their child is happy at school, and 75% strongly agreeing their child feels safe; these figures reflect genuine parental confidence in the school's care.

The extracurricular programme is extensive and genuinely inclusive. The school encourages all students to participate in at least one activity, and participation rates are high.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music occupies a central place in school life. Students have access to individual instrumental lessons across a wide range of instruments. The school runs several ensembles including a chapel choir with a strong tradition of performance, an orchestra, smaller chamber groups, and jazz ensembles. Professional Theatre Companies visit regularly to present issue-based drama with participatory workshops. Students at KS4 and sixth form have progressed to the National Youth Theatre, the Young Vic Theatre, and the Brit School, with many going on to study theatre at university. The Music Department is actively recruiting a new Head of Music following the recent retirement of a longstanding leader, indicating the department's significance and the school's commitment to maintaining excellence.

Drama: Highly Professional and Accessible

The Drama Department offers a lower school drama club and organises several theatre trips throughout the year. Professional Theatre Companies visit to present issue-based drama with participatory workshops for students. The department has a track record of sending students to the National Youth Theatre and the Young Vic Theatre. Many students have progressed to university degrees in theatre and performing arts.

Sports: Comprehensive and Competitive

The school benefits from excellent facilities: a large sports hall, two gymnasiums, a fitness suite, and a main hall. Sports are compulsory in the curriculum, with football, netball, hockey, cricket, and tennis all offered. The school fields competitive teams across multiple sports. Participation rates in extracurricular sports are high, with many students representing the school in fixtures against local and regional competitors. The school's facilities are used extensively by the local community, indicating their quality and breadth.

Academic Societies and STEM

The school runs debating clubs, a chess society, and academic societies. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is available, with students working towards Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Language clubs serve students learning French, Spanish, and other languages. The school's specialist status in ICT is reflected in strong computing provision, with students developing skills in coding and digital literacy.

Community and Service

Police Cadets attract significant numbers of students, who gain valuable experience in community policing and civic responsibility. Throughout the year, students participate in charity fundraising organised through their houses, including Carol Singing, Christmas Hampers, Easter Fair, and Poppy Day. The school has developed partnerships with local charities including Spires (homeless support), The Children's Trust (brain injury support), and Kids for Kids (international development).

Sixth Form Enrichment

Sixth form students benefit from a culture of academic ambition and wider development. The school organises mock interviews for students applying to Oxbridge, providing genuine preparation for the interview process. Student testimonials on the school website reveal thoughtful, reflective young people who have engaged deeply with their university applications and developed genuine intellectual curiosity.

University Destinations

In the 2023-24 cohort, 73% of leavers progressed to university. The school's sixth form has developed a strong pipeline to Russell Group universities and beyond. Recent leavers have secured places at Cambridge, Durham, St Andrews, UCL, Imperial College, and Oxford, alongside popular destinations including Nottingham, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, Sheffield, Southampton, Sussex, and Kent. The breadth of destinations reflects both the diversity of student interests and the school's success in supporting ambitious applications.

Three students in the most recent cohort secured medical school places, demonstrating the school's capacity to support students pursuing highly competitive courses. Law, engineering, and STEM subjects remain popular, alongside humanities disciplines. The school's Oxbridge support programme, including mock interviews and detailed guidance, has helped students navigate competitive applications successfully.

In 2024, 1 student secured a place at Cambridge. Whilst Oxbridge entry numbers are modest (reflecting the school's comprehensive intake), those who apply receive substantial support and guidance. The school explicitly acknowledges that Oxbridge may not be right for all students and provides balanced advice about university choice, teaching students to evaluate institutions based on their specific course interests and personal needs.

Post-16 Pathways Beyond University

Beyond university, 2% of the 2023-24 cohort progressed to further education, 3% to apprenticeships, and 14% to employment. The school provides comprehensive careers guidance and support for all post-16 pathways, reflecting its commitment to ensuring every student has a clear sense of direction.

Bishop Thomas Grant is a voluntary aided school in the trusteeship of the Archdiocese of Southwark. The school is non-selective and serves the Catholic community primarily, though families of all faiths are welcome. The school's admissions policy prioritises Catholic families, with places allocated according to Catholic criteria (including distance from the school and family involvement in the parish), followed by other faith backgrounds, and finally all other applicants.

In 2024, the school received 692 applications for 176 primary entry places (Year 7), with a subscription proportion of 3.93, indicating significant oversubscription. The last distance offered was 2.393 miles in the most recent year. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

For secondary entry (Year 7), applications are coordinated through Lambeth Local Authority's admissions process. Families should register with the LA by the published deadline and indicate Bishop Thomas Grant as a preference. The school's non-selective admissions policy means there is no entrance test, though the school's Catholic character and explicit religious education are important factors for families to consider.

The sixth form accepts students both from within the school and from external applicants. Entry requirements are typically GCSE grades 5 or above in English and Mathematics, along with grades 6 or above in subjects students wish to study at A-level. The sixth form has grown significantly since reopening in 2009 and now enrolls approximately 300 students across Years 12 and 13.

School hours: 8:50am to 3:20pm (standard secondary day). The school is located at Belltrees Grove, Streatham, postcode SW16 2HY. Public transport links include Streatham Common, Tooting Bec, and Tulse Hill Underground stations, all within reasonable walking distance. Many students travel by bus or train; some cycle or walk given the school's location on Streatham Common.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. The school charges for optional activities such as school trips and music lessons. Uniform is compulsory and includes blazer, tie, and formal dress. The school emphasises the importance of smart appearance as part of its traditional values.

The school's facilities are modern and well-maintained. Specialist rooms include science laboratories, ICT suites, art studios, and music practice rooms. The school benefits from extensive grounds and outdoor space on Streatham Common, providing opportunities for outdoor learning and physical activity.

Catholic ethos is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, regular Mass attendance, and explicit religious education are central to school life. Families uncomfortable with a strong Catholic character should carefully consider whether this school is right for their child. The school does respect the beliefs of all students and offers accommodations for those with different religious views, but the Catholic identity is not negotiable.

Oversubscription is significant. With nearly 4 applications for every place, securing entry requires living within the catchment area or meeting the Catholic criteria. Families should verify their distance and eligibility with the school and LA before relying on a place. The last distance offered of 2.393 miles should be treated as a guideline only, as it varies annually.

Sixth form growth has been rapid. The sixth form reopened only in 2009 and has expanded significantly. Whilst the school reports excellent results and strong university destinations, the sixth form is younger and less established than the main school. Families considering the sixth form should evaluate the school's track record carefully.

Behaviour expectations are high. The school's traditional values include expectations around uniform, punctuality, and conduct. Students who struggle with structured environments or who prefer greater informality may find the expectations demanding.

Bishop Thomas Grant is an outstanding comprehensive school that delivers first-class education within an authentic Catholic community. The school's combination of academic rigour, pastoral care, and explicit faith integration is distinctive. For families seeking a school where Catholic values are woven throughout the curriculum and daily life, where teaching is ambitious and results are strong, and where students are genuinely known and supported, this school delivers. The main barriers are oversubscription and the need to live within reasonable distance, but for those who secure a place, the educational experience is exceptional. Best suited to families within the catchment area who value the school's Catholic character and want their child to be part of a genuine community with traditional values and high academic expectations.