St Michael's Catholic College: A Thriving Catholic Community in Bermondsey

When St Michael's reopened its doors in January 2011 after a complete rebuild under the Building Schools for Future programme, it emerged as a purpose-designed institution for the 21st century. Fourteen years later, this mixed Catholic comprehensive in Bermondsey stands as a beacon of academic achievement and community life in Southwark. The most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2025 awarded Outstanding ratings across all five assessment categories, cementing the college's trajectory of excellence that began with its transformation into an academy in 2012. Currently serving approximately 960 students aged 11 to 18, the college has established itself as a non-selective state secondary that champions both academic rigour and the distinctive Salesian Catholic ethos which emphasises respect, understanding, affection, and humour. The school's specialisms in Business and Enterprise, and Modern Foreign Languages, are woven throughout the curriculum, preparing students not only for examinations but for purposeful lives beyond secondary education.

The modern campus near the banks of the Thames in Bermondsey tells a story of institutional ambition tempered by pastoral care. Situated a short walk from Bermondsey station on the Jubilee line, the college occupies a contemporary setting purpose-built to reflect its Catholic identity and educational mission. The physical environment signals clarity: wide corridors facilitate movement between lessons, teaching spaces are modern and functional, and the chapel anchors the spiritual life of the community. Students describe the college as a place where they feel genuinely supported. The house system, comprising six named houses (St John Bosco, St Mary Mazzarello, St Dominic Savio, Blessed Laura Vicuna, Blessed Michael Rua, and Blessed Alex Maria Da Costa), creates smaller communities within the larger whole, ensuring that even as the college has grown, no student is simply a number.

Leadership matters immensely here. Ms Felicity Corcoran, who leads the college, demonstrates a steadfast commitment to the belief that every student, regardless of background or starting point, can achieve academic excellence. This philosophy extends throughout the staff body. Teachers exhibit genuine subject expertise and invest time in understanding students as individuals. The atmosphere is purposeful without being pressurised, and the religious character of the college is authentic: Catholic identity permeates daily life through chaplaincy provision, regular Mass opportunities, and the integration of Gospel values into discussions of ethics, justice, and community responsibility.

What distinguishes the college atmosphere is its genuine diversity. Approximately 37% of students speak English as an additional language, reflecting the rich cultural makeup of Bermondsey. This diversity is celebrated rather than merely tolerated. Students from African, Caribbean, Asian, White British, and other heritage backgrounds work and learn together. The leadership team has been explicit in its commitment to addressing racism and promoting inclusion, demonstrating through action that Catholic education means offering dignity and opportunity to all.

GCSE Results and Progress

St Michael's achieves examination results that consistently exceed national benchmarks. The latest available GCSE data shows an Attainment 8 score of 55.2, positioning the college firmly above the England average. Progress 8 performance of +0.45 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points, a critical measure of school effectiveness. 84% of pupils are entered for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), reflecting the college's commitment to a broad, knowledge-rich curriculum rather than narrow specialism. Of these, 41% achieved grades 5 and above, demonstrating the challenge of maintaining breadth whilst pursuing depth.

At GCSE level specifically, high attainment is evident: approximately 78% of entries achieved grades 4 or above (a standard pass), whilst 65% reached the higher threshold of grades 5 and above. Among the strongest entries, 33% of GCSE grades were 7 or above (strong grades), and top marks of grades 8-9 appeared in 18% of entries. These figures place St Michael's among the better-performing state secondaries in Southwark, even as the college serves a notably disadvantaged and diverse cohort. The college particularly excels in mathematics, where results are consistently among the strongest, a testament to specialist teaching and sustained focus on developing deep conceptual understanding.

A-Level and Sixth Form Performance

The sixth form, which opened in 2011 and welcomed its first cohort of A-level students in 2013, has flourished. Currently, the college ranks 765th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the middle 35% of schools in England nationally. At A-level specifically, 60% of entries achieved grades A* to B, compared to the England average of 47%, representing genuine strength. The distribution of grades shows 9% at A*, 14% at A, and 37% at B, indicating solid across-the-board performance rather than concentration at a single level.

The college operates three distinct sixth form pathways. The Honours Pathway (A Level +) allows students to pursue four A levels alongside an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), early entry opportunities, and access to an "Elephant Access Programme" offering summer internships and academic mentoring in partnership with leading universities. The standard A Level pathway offers three subjects, and a Technical pathway provides CTEC Level 3 vocational qualifications in sport and business for students whose strengths lie in coursework-based, practical learning. Sixth form scholarships of up to £500 annually are available in STEM, Humanities, and Media Arts for students demonstrating exceptional achievement at GCSE.

Approximately 90% of sixth form leavers apply to university, with 47% of those gaining places at Russell Group universities. In 2024, one student secured an Oxbridge place, reflecting the competitive nature of such applications. The college explicitly supports its most ambitious students through Oxbridge scholarship routes and dedicated university mentoring.

Teaching across the college is characterised by expert subject knowledge, creative lesson design, and high expectations. Staff engage students effectively through clearly structured lessons that build understanding incrementally. The school has developed sophisticated curriculum planning that goes beyond statutory requirements, embedding challenge and cultural richness throughout. This is particularly evident in the approach to Key Stage 3, where the college uses the first three years to build foundational skills in resilience, problem-solving, and intellectual risk-taking, preparing students for the demands of Key Stage 4 and beyond.

The college's specialisms in Business and Enterprise and Modern Foreign Languages are visible throughout. Business education is not merely confined to a single GCSE option; it shapes the wider culture through Business and Enterprise Week, guest speakers from industry, and authentic project-based learning where students tackle real-world challenges. Modern languages learning begins in Year 7, and the college maintains a commitment to supporting students with EAL, recognising that multilingualism is both an academic asset and a feature of the community.

Differentiation and personalised support are evident. Additional reading clubs in Year 7 and Year 8 provide targeted intervention for those needing consolidation, whilst more able students are channelled towards extension and enrichment activities. The college recognises that supporting disadvantaged students effectively — ensuring Progress 8 gains of +0.18 for disadvantaged pupils against their nationally non-disadvantaged peers — requires both systematic intervention and cultural belief in their potential.

The sixth form experience explicitly prepares students for their next steps. Approximately 90% of leavers progress to university, with 47% securing places at Russell Group universities including institutions such as Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, Bristol, Warwick, Durham, and others. Beyond Oxbridge, the college has established a track record of supporting students into competitive courses at leading universities. In 2024, eighteen students secured medical school places, a notable achievement reflecting strong STEM teaching and dedicated support for applications to competitive programmes. Students also progress into apprenticeships and employment, supported by internship partnerships with business organisations through The Brokerage and Access Aspirations.

For sixth form students, university preparation is systematic and ambitious. The Elephant Access Programme offers summer internships, academic mentoring, and university visits. Year 12 students on the A Level pathway have access to self-organised work experience, and those on the technical pathway receive business mentoring and practical coaching. The college's location in London provides natural advantages: proximity to leading universities, cultural institutions, and major employers creates tangible opportunities for students to experience higher education and professional sectors firsthand.

Music and Performing Arts

The college hosts a vibrant music programme that extends far beyond the classroom. Student ensembles include a Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Swing Band, all performing throughout the year. The chapel choir sings regularly in liturgical settings, developing both musicianship and spiritual awareness. An annual winter concert and various house music competitions provide performance opportunities for musicians of all levels. Music tuition is available, and the teaching of music across the school aims to develop not just technical proficiency but an appreciation for music as a form of human expression and spiritual engagement.

Drama and theatre productions are a significant feature. The college stages major productions annually, involving large casts and often featuring live orchestral accompaniment. These productions provide opportunities for actors, technicians, and musicians to collaborate on ambitious creative projects. Recent productions have included ambitious adaptations that engage audiences with sophisticated thematic material, and the rehearsal and performance process builds confidence, teamwork, and artistic risk-taking.

Sports and Physical Education

Sports at St Michael's encompass both competitive and recreational pathways. Football, netball, cricket, basketball, and athletics feature prominently, with teams competing in local and regional leagues. The college participates in borough championships and inter-school competitions. Additionally, sports clubs include table tennis, badminton, and training groups for students seeking high-level coaching. The technical sixth form pathway in sport provides vocational options, and dedicated coaching is available to students pursuing competitive play.

STEM and Technology

The college's modern teaching block, opened in September 2018, enhanced capacity for science and technology teaching. STEM is embedded throughout the curriculum, with particular strength in mathematics. Computer science and coding clubs are offered, and the college embraces technology as a tool for learning across subjects. Robotics and engineering projects engage interested students, and the integration of technology into subject teaching is evident. The college is designated a Google Reference College and a UCL Beacon School, recognising its commitment to innovation and partnership in science education.

Academic Clubs and Societies

The college offers clubs aligned with academic interests. Journalism training develops communication skills and media literacy. Debating societies and public speaking clubs encourage students to develop rhetoric and persuasion. Language clubs support students learning modern languages, and science clubs provide opportunities for practical enquiry beyond the standard curriculum. Chess clubs cater to strategic thinkers, and reading groups promote engagement with literature and discussion of ideas. These clubs are not merely extra; they form part of the college's mission to develop confident, articulate, culturally literate individuals.

Community and Social Action

The college's Catholic ethos translates into social action. Community service opportunities, charitable giving campaigns (the college runs annual appeals for various causes), and volunteering initiatives allow students to develop empathy and understanding of social responsibility. The integration of social teaching from Catholic tradition means that discussion of justice, care for creation, and the dignity of all people is not relegated to RE lessons but infuses discussions across subjects. The chaplaincy team coordinates these efforts, and sixth form students often take leadership roles in organising community activities.

Enrichment and Extension

All students receive opportunities for enrichment. Curriculum enhancement through trips and visits supports learning. The college offers Extended Project Qualifications in the sixth form, allowing students to pursue independent research into topics of personal interest. Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes are available, with provision extending to Gold level for committed participants. These programmes develop resilience, leadership, and practical competencies alongside academic learning.

St Michael's operates as a non-selective state secondary, admitting students on a first-come, first-served basis after looked-after children and siblings. The college is significantly oversubscribed, receiving approximately 3.94 applications for every available place. This high demand reflects the school's reputation and the scarcity of Catholic places in Southwark. The college seeks students "with enquiring minds and natural intelligence who will actively contribute to school life," language that signals it values not merely academic ability but character and commitment.

At Year 7, approximately 150 places are offered annually. The college operates its own admissions process in addition to the LA-coordinated system, and interested families are encouraged to attend open days to understand the college's Catholic character and ethos. The college prioritises Catholic families in admissions, particularly those fulfilling certain faith criteria, though it also serves families of other backgrounds.

Internal progression to sixth form is contingent on GCSE performance and meeting subject-specific entry requirements. The Honours Pathway, requiring four A*-8 grades, is selective, whilst the standard A Level and technical pathways accommodate a broader range of achievement. This structure ensures that sixth form offers genuine opportunity for students across the attainment range.

The college day runs from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm. Transport is well served by Bermondsey station (Jubilee line) and local bus routes. The college itself notes that there is no onsite car parking; families relying on vehicles may face challenges during peak collection times. Students wear a uniform, and the college enforces clear standards regarding appearance, reflecting its emphasis on orderly conduct and professional presentation.

As a state school, there are no tuition fees. Uniform costs and additional charges for certain trips or activities may apply, and families should enquire directly about specific costs. The college participates in the standard state school funding system and receives support through pupil premium funding for disadvantaged students.

The college prioritises student wellbeing through multiple pathways. The house system ensures that each student has a dedicated pastoral team. Form tutors, house leaders, and the wider teaching staff maintain awareness of individual student circumstances. The college employs trained counsellors and has explicit mental health and wellbeing support structures. A dedicated page on the college website signposts resources related to mental health, and the chaplaincy team provides spiritual guidance alongside pastoral care.

Behaviour expectations are clear and fairly enforced through a published discipline and tariff system. The college maintains low absence rates (2%, compared to a national average of 41%), reflecting strong engagement and pastoral relationships that make students want to attend. When behaviour incidents do occur, the college uses restorative approaches that aim to rebuild relationships and understanding rather than merely punish. This aligns with Salesian educational philosophy, which emphasises affection and understanding alongside discipline.

Special educational needs and inclusive practice are integral to the college's work. Approximately 6% of students have identified special educational needs, and the college provides in-class and small group support. The SEND department coordinates targeted intervention, and the college recognises that progress toward potential is the measure of success, not comparison against arbitrary benchmarks.

Catholic identity is genuine and pervasive. This college is authentically Catholic in character. Daily prayer, regular Mass opportunities, religious education as a core part of the curriculum, and the integration of Catholic social teaching throughout all subjects means that students experience faith formation alongside academic instruction. Families who are comfortable with this dimension will find it a strength; those seeking a secular or more religiously neutral environment should be aware of this integral feature.

Competition for places is fierce. With 3.94 applications per place, entry to the college is highly competitive. Families should not assume that living locally guarantees a place, and the Catholic faith criteria means that non-Catholic families, whilst admitted, are not prioritised in the oversubscription criteria.

Sixth form pathways require careful consideration. The three distinct pathways (Honours, A Level, Technical) means that sixth form entry is differentiated. Students must have achieved sufficient GCSE grades to access their chosen pathway; those targeting the Honours route requiring four A* or grade 8-9 marks should ensure they are making genuine progress toward that standard throughout Year 11.

The school serves a notably disadvantaged cohort. Approximately 33% of students are eligible for free school meals, and the college is fully committed to supporting this population. This is a strength — progress measures show the college is genuinely closing gaps — but it means resources are stretched, and sometimes waiting lists for clubs or extension activities reflect the volume of demand.

St Michael's Catholic College is a well-led, high-achieving state secondary that succeeds in balancing rigorous academics with genuine pastoral care. The April 2025 Ofsted inspection's award of Outstanding across all categories validates the college's trajectory of continuous improvement. Results consistently exceed national averages, sixth form provision is increasingly ambitious, and students speak positively of their experience. The college combines academic challenge with authentic Catholic values and community-mindedness, creating an environment where different backgrounds and abilities are genuinely included.

Best suited to Catholic families, or those comfortable with Catholic education, who seek a non-selective state secondary offering genuine academic stretch, strong pastoral support, and a distinctive faith-informed culture. The high demand for places means entry is by no means guaranteed, and families should verify their position relative to oversubscription criteria. For those who do secure entry, St Michael's offers a rounded, ambitious education in a cohesive community.