Holy Family Catholic School: Strong Community Values Meet Solid Academic Results

In the heart of Walthamstow, where 95% of the student population speaks English as an additional language, Holy Family Catholic School has built something genuinely inclusive. Established in 1988, this voluntary-aided Catholic secondary has grown into a comprehensive school of around 1,256 pupils aged 11 to 18, split across two purpose-designed sites on Shernhall Street. The school's Catholic character is pervasive and genuine, woven through daily life via weekly Mass, prayer at registration, and a curriculum explicitly rooted in Gospel values. Yet what makes Holy Family stand out is not religious observance alone. Under the leadership of Mrs Carolyn Laws, who joined in September 2022, the school consistently delivers solid academic outcomes, ranks in the middle tier of schools nationally for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), and sends most students on to higher education. Pupils and staff alike describe a school that feels like family in its truest sense.

The two-site structure reflects careful educational design. Years 7 and 8 occupy the Walthamstow House site, allowing younger pupils a smaller-scale environment before transitioning to the purpose-built Wiseman House facility for Years 9 through 13. This staging means no single campus feels overcrowded, despite the school's size. Staff turnover is notably low; many have chosen to remain at Holy Family for entire careers, creating continuity that students notice and appreciate.

The Catholic ethos shapes every corner, but without heavyhandedness. Registration begins with prayer. Every lesson is expected to begin or end with reflection. Twice weekly, staff and students have the option to attend Mass at each site, with additional sacramental opportunities during Advent and Lent. Yet this is a school where Muslim students thrive alongside Catholic ones, where diversity is the lived experience rather than aspiration. In conversations captured on the school website, a Muslim pupil describes joining Holy Family with initial apprehension and finding instead "kindness, respect, and a real sense of love." Another student credits the "welcoming religious atmosphere" with transforming confidence.

Mrs Laws brings experience from St James' Catholic High School, where she served in leadership roles. Her appointment signals a school committed to evolving while remaining rooted in Catholic tradition. Under her stewardship, the school retained "Good" across all areas in its March 2023 Ofsted inspection, with particular praise for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Students told inspectors they felt safe, appreciated supportive staff who "push them to go the extra mile," and valued the strong friendships built here.

The physical environment has been substantially upgraded in recent years. A new professional-standard sports hall opened in June 2018, featuring basketball courts, digital scoreboards, and multiple markings for different sports. A dedicated multi-functional gymnasium on the Walthamstow site serves students and community groups. These facilities signal investment in student wellbeing and opportunity.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, Holy Family's Attainment 8 score was 44.6, slightly above the England average of 45.9. This places the school in solid middle territory nationally. Looking at individual pass rates, 44% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in both English and Mathematics, indicating that just under half of the cohort reached the government's "strong pass" threshold. The English Baccalaureate entry rate stood at 13%, with 3.9 average points across those qualifications (England average: 4.08), suggesting modest uptake of the broader curriculum suite.

The school ranks 2262nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it at the 49th percentile. This is solidly typical, reflecting the middle 35% of schools nationally (49th percentile falls within the 25th to 60th percentile band). Locally, the school ranks 16th among Waltham Forest schools, a respectable position reflecting consistent, reliable performance across the borough's comprehensive cohort.

Progress 8 data paints a nuanced picture. The score of -0.04 indicates pupils make slightly below-average progress from their starting points at Key Stage 2 to their GCSE results. This requires careful interpretation. Attainment 8 of 44.6 means pupils are achieving in line with national averages at the end of secondary. The Progress 8 figure of -0.04 means they have progressed slightly less than expected relative to their prior attainment. For a school serving a significant proportion of pupils with English as an additional language (39%), and where 33% of the cohort is eligible for free school meals, this data suggests effective teaching and curriculum that supports diverse learners.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form serves approximately 300 students, welcoming internal progression from Year 11 as well as applications from across the borough and beyond. In 2024, 44% of A-level grades achieved the A*-B range, below the England average of 47%. At the top end, 4% of grades reached A*, compared to a national average of 8%. This indicates sixth form cohorts are typically achieving in the solid B range, with a smaller proportion reaching the elite grades.

The school ranks 1490th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it at the 56th percentile, within the typical middle band (25th-60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 8th among Waltham Forest sixth forms. The A-level value-added score has been consistently positive, indicating students make above-average progress through their sixth form years relative to their GCSE starting points. This is significant: it suggests strong pedagogy at Key Stage 5, with students developing substantially between Year 12 and Year 13.

In the 2023-24 leavers cohort (140 students), 73% progressed to university, 1% to further education, and 14% entered direct employment, with the remainder pursuing apprenticeships or other pathways. The university progression rate reflects a school committed to opening pathways to higher education across the ability range, not just those in top exam sets.

The school has strong connections with universities across London and beyond, including Russell Group institutions. Eight students submitted Oxbridge applications in the measurement period, with one securing a place at Cambridge. While these numbers are modest in absolute terms, they represent meaningful achievement for a comprehensive, non-selective school drawing from Waltham Forest's diverse community. Beyond Oxbridge, the school reports destinations across the higher education landscape, with particular success in supporting students toward vocational qualifications and apprenticeships that suit their aspirations.

The curriculum follows the national framework with deliberate enrichment at secondary. French begins as compulsory study for all pupils, taught by specialist staff. Setting in Mathematics begins in Year 4 (within the primary feeder schools' data collection) and continues through secondary, allowing pace-appropriate learning for pupils at different stages. The school offers both GCSEs and BTECs at Key Stage 4, providing diverse qualification pathways. At A-level and beyond, the school offers a broad range of subjects including traditional academic routes and vocational alternatives.

Technology remains a specialism inherited from the school's previous identity as Holy Family Technology College. Dedicated resources support computing and technology teaching, though the school describes itself now primarily as a comprehensive rather than specialist institution. Science is taught separately rather than as combined science, a choice reflecting the school's commitment to disciplinary depth. Music receives particular investment; the school works closely with Waltham Forest Music Service, and many students learn an instrument. Over 70% of students achieved grade 4 or above in both English and Maths in recent results, a figure the school highlights as demonstrating consistent academic progress.

Teaching follows clear structures with high expectations. Students report feeling supported, with teachers described as pushing them "to go the extra mile." The school operates a proactive SEND approach, ensuring pupils with additional needs access the same curriculum with appropriate adaptations. A designated alternative provision service, commissioned by the Local Authority, supports up to 12 students with social, emotional, behavioural, and health needs, working toward reintegration into mainstream provision. This specialised support operates within the school's ethos of inclusion.

The student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1 is notably favourable, placing the school in the top 9% nationally for this metric. This allows teachers to know students as individuals, not merely as exam candidates. Tutor groups are small, creating genuine pastoral oversight. Form tutors track academic progress, monitor wellbeing, and provide the continuity many comprehensive schools struggle to maintain at scale.

Behaviour is consistent and respectful across both sites. Sixth formers often supervise younger pupils, creating vertical integration and leadership pathways. The school operates a restorative approach to discipline, reflecting its Catholic ethos of reconciliation and second chances. Students speak of a genuinely safe environment.

Mental health and emotional support are visible priorities. Visiting counsellors provide specialist support for pupils experiencing stress or anxiety. The school's commitment to pupils' "spiritual, moral, social and cultural development" extends beyond religious education into pastoral support, mentoring, and whole-person development. Sixth formers are encouraged to mentor younger pupils, creating layers of peer support.

Career guidance is embedded from Year 9 onwards. The school provides impartial careers advice, with dedicated sixth form support for apprenticeship and university applications. This early intervention helps students make informed choices, particularly those whose families may be navigating English higher education systems for the first time.

Holy Family offers a comprehensive programme of extracurricular activities, though the school website and research materials indicate these are coordinated but not exhaustively listed online. Available activities explicitly mentioned include chess clubs, sports clubs, and drama opportunities. The school emphasizes that "all students are offered every opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills through after school clubs in an array of different fields including sport, music and drama."

Music: A Defining Strength

Music occupies a prominent place in school life. The school works closely with Waltham Forest Music Service, offering many students the opportunity to learn an instrument. A chapel choir exists on both sites, reflecting the Catholic tradition of sacred music. There is "good take up" of music courses in Key Stage 4, with students choosing GCSE or BTEC music as examination options. The school's vacancies page specifically highlights the appointment of music teachers and describes the department as "highly successful," suggesting music is a genuine strength rather than peripheral offering. Many students sing, play in ensembles, or participate in music tuition, creating a vibrant musical culture.

Sports: Facilities and Participation

Sports are compulsory in lower years, with optional pathways for those choosing sports GCSE or A-level. The new sports hall, opened in 2018, features multiple courts and markings suitable for basketball, badminton, and other indoor sports. The dedicated gymnasium on the Walthamstow site adds capacity. These facilities enable a range of activities: football, basketball, badminton, athletics, and other team and individual sports are offered. The school highlights "enrichment activities such as sports clubs" as part of its extracurricular provision.

Drama and Expressive Arts

Drama features prominently in student testimonials. One sixth former describes it as their "favourite subject" because of "the great encouragement" the school provides. This suggests drama is not confined to extracurricular drama club but integrated into the curriculum, with dedicated teaching and facilities. Sixth form students in particular have access to performance opportunities.

Technology and STEM

The school's heritage as Holy Family Technology College means computing and digital skills remain embedded in the curriculum. Technology teaching spans design technology and computing science. The school values practical, creative learning; one student highlights how DT lessons involve "designing and creating different projects using all sorts of materials," and another celebrates science lessons featuring "practical lessons and interesting experiments" with microscopes and Bunsen burners. This hands-on, experimental approach to STEM sits at the heart of how the school teaches these subjects.

Roles and Responsibilities

Student leadership is cultivated deliberately. Year 12 and 13 pupils serve as Head Boy and Head Girl, with wider prefect structures. Younger students hold form representative roles and contribute to student council. These roles embed responsibility and voice within the school community.

Community Service and Character Development

The school is explicit about developing character alongside qualifications. Its stated values of Achievement, Service, Participation, Integrity, Respect and Equity (abbreviated ASPIRE in school terminology) run through policy, curriculum, and pastoral care. Service to the community is embedded: one documented example shows pupils collecting protective eyewear for donation to the NHS (Whipps Cross Hospital), reflecting the school's commitment to social justice and practical charity. This is characteristic of how Catholic values translate into action within the school.

Sixth Form Enrichment

The sixth form operates from the dedicated Wiseman House facility, opened in 2015 to purpose-built standards. This separation from younger pupils allows Year 12 and 13 students greater autonomy and a distinct culture. Extended project qualifications, university preparation seminars, and higher education visits supplement the main curriculum. University mentoring and application support help students navigate UCAS processes, particularly those whose families are unfamiliar with the higher education landscape.

Holy Family operates a non-selective admissions policy, meaning entry is not based on entrance examinations or attainment testing. The school is vastly oversubscribed at Year 7 entry. In the most recent admissions round for which data is available (2024 entry), 265 applications were made for 122 places, a ratio of 2.17:1. This reflects the school's reputation and location within Waltham Forest.

Admissions to Year 7 are coordinated through Waltham Forest Local Authority. The school intends to admit 210 students into Year 7 for the 2024-25 academic year and 122 places for 2025-26, suggesting recent expansion. The stated priority order after looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans is based on religious criteria followed by distance. By naming Holy Family as a preference on the admissions form, parents/carers are assumed to wish their child to receive a Catholic education and support the school's ethos as outlined in the prospectus.

Sixth Form Entry

The sixth form welcomes both internal progression from Year 11 and external applicants from other schools across Waltham Forest and beyond. No entrance examination is required. The school reports strong value-added progress through Key Stage 5, indicating effective teaching and student engagement at this level. Three-year ALPS trends (for which data is available) show consistent "Grade 3" (above-average value-added) outcomes, reflecting sustained quality in sixth form provision.

Catholic Identity and Admissions

For Catholic families, Holy Family meets a clear need within Waltham Forest. It is the diocese's sole secondary school in the borough, making it a focal point for Catholic education in the area. The school's six-form progression rate and accessible sixth form admissions policy mean students can complete their full secondary and post-16 education within a single Catholic institution.

School hours

The school operates standard hours with lessons from morning registration through the afternoon. Before and after school care is not explicitly mentioned in available materials; families should contact the school directly for any wrap-around arrangements.

Transport

Both school sites are located on Shernhall Street in Walthamstow. The area is well served by London Transport links, with multiple bus routes serving the vicinity. Walthamstow tube station (Victoria Line) is approximately 0.5 miles away. Families outside walking distance can access the school via public transport.

Location

The school is situated in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, in East London. The surrounding area is diverse and residential, with strong community links to local parishes including Our Lady and St George's.

School meals

The school operates a catering service, though specific details of free meal entitlement and lunch arrangements are not detailed in this review. Families should consult the school website or contact admissions for dietary requirements or meal plan options.

Oversubscription is significant. With over 2 applications for every place at Year 7 entry, securing a spot requires genuine engagement with the admissions criteria. Catholic families within the Diocese of Brentwood have priority; others compete on distance. The school is popular and rightly so, but places are scarce relative to demand.

Catholic ethos is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, weekly Mass, and Gospel-centred curriculum mean this is not a secular school with a Catholic label. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious teaching and practice should carefully consider whether the environment suits their child. Equally, for families seeking a genuinely faith-based education, this is a significant strength.

English as an additional language is the norm, not the exception. With 39% of pupils speaking English as an additional language and 95% of the cohort being from ethnic minorities, this is a genuinely diverse school. This is a strength in terms of intercultural learning and inclusion; it means the school's culture is shaped by that diversity rather than accommodating it as an afterthought. Families preferring a less diverse environment should look elsewhere.

Academic expectations are solid but not elite. The school's GCSE performance is in line with national averages; A-level results are below national average. This is not an exam factory. If your child is aiming for the very top universities or competitive STEM courses, you may wish to explore schools with stronger sixth form results. The school is excellent for solid, comprehensive education; it is not selective or specialist.

Holy Family Catholic School offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely inclusive comprehensive that combines clear Catholic identity with real academic rigour and authentic pastoral care. The school serves its diverse community with integrity, producing pupils who progress to university or employment well-prepared and confident. Results are reliable rather than spectacular, but the school's strength lies in the breadth of education it offers, the character development it embeds, and the inclusive community it has built. Teachers are experienced and committed, facilities are modern, and the Catholic values are lived rather than merely stated. Best suited to Catholic families (or those open to a Catholic education), and to those seeking a school where academic achievement is balanced with genuine attention to wellbeing, character, and community. The main barrier to entry is simply oversubscription; once in, you have a school that knows your child and cares about their full development.