The Holy Cross School Review 2026: Outstanding Progress in a Catholic Community

The Holy Cross School is a high performing Catholic secondary school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in New Malden, Surrey. For decades, it has maintained a reputation for balancing academic ambition with a supportive, faith centered atmosphere. The school currently serves approximately 940 students, offering a close knit environment where individual progress is the primary measure of success.

In 2024, the school demonstrated exceptional academic outcomes, particularly at GCSE level, where it ranks in the top 20% of schools in England. Mrs. Dervla McConn-Finch, who took up the post of Headteacher in September 2021, leads a staff body committed to the school's mission of providing an education that develops the whole person. The school's 2024 Progress 8 score of +0.95 is remarkable; it indicates that students achieve nearly a full grade higher across their subjects than similar students in other schools in England.

The atmosphere at The Holy Cross School is one of purposeful calm. As a Catholic school, its identity is rooted in Gospel values, which permeate daily life through prayer, liturgy, and a strong emphasis on service to others. The school operates under the trusteeship of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, ensuring a consistent approach to spiritual and educational standards.

The physical site on Sandal Road is well maintained, featuring a mix of traditional and modern spaces. The original house front remains as the school's main entrance, providing a sense of historical continuity. The chapel serves as the heart of the school, providing a space for reflection amidst the busy academic day. Students are described as polite and friendly, rising to the high standards set by leadership. This is not merely a place for academic instruction but a community where the values of tolerance and respect are lived out daily.

The Holy Cross School sits above the England average, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England for GCSE outcomes. Specifically, the school ranks 743rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd in New Malden. The 2024 results tell a story of consistent excellence; 37.1% of GCSE entries achieved the top grades of 9 to 7, significantly outperforming the England average.

At A-level, the school remains a strong local choice. It ranks 1,052nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which reflects a solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. Over half of all A-level entries (55.81%) achieved grades of A* to B, providing students with a secure platform for university entry.

The Progress 8 score of +0.95 is perhaps the school's most impressive metric. Official assessments highlight that students at Holy Cross make significantly more progress between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 than the vast majority of their peers across the country.

Teaching at The Holy Cross School is characterized by high expectations and a structured curriculum. The school follows a traditional academic pathway, with a strong focus on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc). In 2024, 35.1% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the EBacc, reflecting the school's commitment to core academic disciplines.

The curriculum is designed to be both broad and balanced. In the lower years, students study a wide range of subjects, including French and Spanish, alongside core subjects. Teachers are subject specialists who utilize their expertise to challenge students and foster a love of learning. The inclusion of special classes for students with additional needs ensures that the curriculum is accessible to all, reflecting the school's inclusive Catholic ethos.

Sixth Form

The sixth form at Holy Cross provides a natural progression for Year 11 students while also welcoming external applicants. The environment is more independent than the lower school, though it retains the supportive pastoral framework that defines the institution. A significant feature is the sixth form partnership with Richard Challoner School, which allows students to choose from an even broader range of courses across both sites.

Students typically choose from a wide range of A-level subjects and vocational qualifications. The dedicated Sixth Form Centre provides a space for focused study and social interaction. Leadership opportunities abound, with senior students acting as mentors for younger pupils and taking active roles in the liturgical life of the school.

Where Students Go Next

The university pipeline is a significant strength of the school. According to 2024 data, 72% of leavers progressed to university, with the majority securing places at their first choice institutions. The school also supports alternative pathways, with 15% of the most recent cohort entering employment and 3% starting apprenticeships.

Oxbridge success is also evident; in the measurement period, one student secured a place at the University of Cambridge. This demonstrates that the school’s highest achievers are well supported in their applications to the most competitive universities in England.

Securing a place at The Holy Cross School is a competitive process. For the most recent intake, the school was significantly oversubscribed, receiving 629 applications for 155 offers. This equates to over four applications for every available place.

As a Catholic school, the admissions policy prioritizes baptized Catholic children. Parents are required to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the standard local authority application. For families considering this route, it is essential to review the detailed criteria on the school website, as the subscription proportion suggests that meeting the faith criteria is often necessary for a successful offer.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the Holy Cross experience. The school's size allows for a more personalized approach to student wellbeing compared to larger London secondaries. Each year group is overseen by a Head of Year and a team of tutors who provide daily support.

The school's "special classes" designation indicates a commitment to students with SEN, ensuring they are fully integrated into the life of the school. The latest Ofsted report rated the school Good, noting that pupils' attitudes to learning are exemplary. The emphasis on Gospel values fosters a community where bullying is dealt with quickly and students are encouraged to treat everyone equally.

The extracurricular life at Holy Cross is vibrant and diverse, designed to complement the academic curriculum. Music and Drama are particularly strong, with regular performances and concerts that showcase student talent.

STEM: Innovation and Inquiry

The school places a significant emphasis on STEM subjects. Students participate in national competitions such as the UK Mathematics Trust Challenge. The school's coding and science initiatives provide students with the technical skills and curiosity needed for the modern world.

Sports and Creative Arts

Physical education is a core part of the week, with the Year 7 and 8 football teams recently shining at the Borough Championships. The creative arts are equally celebrated, with the Art and Textiles departments producing high quality work that is frequently exhibited within the school. Clubs such as the Debating Society and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme encourage students to develop leadership and resilience.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:15pm. Given its location in New Malden, the school is well served by public transport. The nearest railway station is New Malden, which is a short walk from the school gates. Several local bus routes also provide easy access for students traveling from across Kingston and Merton.

For families requiring wraparound care, details are not explicitly published on the secondary school website; parents should contact the school office directly for the most up to date information regarding after school clubs or supervised study.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With over four applications for every place, the school is heavily oversubscribed. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates and review the faith criteria carefully.
• Faith Commitment: The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• Single Sex Environment: As an all girls school (until the sixth form), some students may prefer the dynamic of a co-educational setting. However, the school argues that this environment allows girls to flourish academically without social distraction.
• High Academic Pace: The Progress 8 score of +0.95 indicates a fast moving and rigorous academic environment. Students are expected to work hard and remain focused from Year 7 through to Year 13.

The Holy Cross School is an exceptional choice for families seeking a high achieving, faith based education for their daughters. Its combination of outstanding academic progress, a nurturing Catholic ethos, and a strong university pipeline makes it one of the most desirable state schools in the region. Best suited to academically motivated girls who will thrive in a structured, values driven community. The main challenge for many will be navigating the competitive admissions process.