Holy Trinity Academy Review 2026: A Joint-Faith Community in Shropshire

Holy Trinity Academy occupies a modern campus in Priorslee, Telford, where it serves as a unique educational partnership between the Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury and the Anglican Diocese of Lichfield. This joint-faith identity is rare, creating a community where students from diverse Christian traditions and other backgrounds learn side by side.

The school opened in September 2015, replacing the former Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College, and moved into purpose-built facilities designed for 900 students. Under the leadership of Mr Angus Neal, who has been Headteacher since the school opened in 2015, Holy Trinity has established itself as a popular choice in the Telford and Wrekin area. Its most recent Ofsted inspection, conducted in May 2023, confirmed the school continues to be Good, with inspectors noting that pupils are proud to attend and benefit from a calm, orderly environment.

The atmosphere at Holy Trinity Academy is defined by its joint-faith foundation. While many schools are either Catholic or Church of England, Holy Trinity intentionally blends the two, creating a culture of ecumenical cooperation. This is visible in the daily life of the school, from collective worship to the way staff and students interact. The school motto, Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Creator Spirit), encapsulates the spiritual ambition that underpins its operations.

Physically, the school feels contemporary and bright. The Priorslee site was part of a multi-million-pound investment, resulting in well-proportioned classrooms and specialist suites for technology and the arts. The layout encourages a sense of order and calm, which inspectors noted as a key factor in students' positive attitudes toward their studies. There is a clear sense of belonging; the school is divided into four houses—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which provides a smaller community structure within the larger secondary setting.

Academic performance at Holy Trinity Academy reflects a solid, consistent standard. In the most recent GCSE measurement period, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 45.9, which sits in line with the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.22 indicates that while students are achieving at a typical level, there is a continued focus on ensuring every individual exceeds their predicted trajectory from primary school.

Ranked 4th in Telford and 2,400th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). This "national typical" banding suggests that families can expect a standard of education that matches the broad majority of successful state secondaries across the country.

At A-level, the performance is also developing. The school ranks 4th in Telford for post-16 outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While 33.3% of students achieved A*-B grades, which is below the England average of 47.2%, the school has shown a commitment to maintaining a broad sixth-form curriculum that caters to a wide range of academic interests.

Teaching at Holy Trinity is structured around high expectations and a traditional academic core. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive but rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the EBacc subjects. Teachers are described as having good subject knowledge, and the school uses a variety of digital tools to supplement classroom learning.

In the lower years (Key Stage 3), students follow a broad range of subjects including Religious Education, reflecting the school’s faith status. As students move into Key Stage 4, the options process is carefully managed to balance academic requirements with personal interests. The sixth form offers a mix of A-levels and vocational qualifications, ensuring that students have multiple pathways regardless of their starting points.

Where Students Go Next

The school serves as an effective springboard for both higher education and vocational pathways. For the 2023-2024 cohort, 53% of leavers progressed to university. This is a significant figure for a school with a diverse intake, demonstrating that the academic culture successfully prepares a majority for degree-level study.

Notably, Holy Trinity has a strong track record in preparing students for apprenticeships. In the last measurement period, 21% of students secured apprenticeship placements, which is well above the figures seen in many traditional grammar schools. This practical focus is further evidenced by 16% of students moving directly into employment. While the school currently sits 2,520th in England for Oxbridge entries, its primary strength lies in its ability to support a wide range of post-18 destinations including local universities and industry-led training.

Securing a place at Holy Trinity Academy requires careful planning due to its high demand. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was significantly oversubscribed. There were 620 applications for just 204 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 3.04. This means there are roughly three applicants for every available seat in Year 7.

The admissions policy is specific to the school’s joint-faith status. Places are typically allocated with a focus on Catholic and Church of England applicants, though the school also welcomes those of other faiths or none if space permits. Parents should note that as a voluntary aided academy, Holy Trinity uses its own supplementary information form (SIF) in addition to the standard local authority application.

Pastoral care is a significant pillar of the school's identity. Because of its faith-based mission, there is a heavy emphasis on the whole child. Each student has a form tutor who serves as the primary point of contact, and the house system ensures that students of different ages interact, fostering a sense of peer mentorship.

The latest Ofsted findings confirmed that students feel safe and well-supported. The chaplaincy team plays a central role here, offering a space for reflection and support that is not strictly academic. For students facing emotional or social challenges, the school has established referral routes to specialist support, ensuring that wellbeing is integrated into the school day.

The extracurricular life at Holy Trinity is vibrant, with a particular strength in the performing arts and sport. The school regularly puts on musical productions and drama showcases that utilize its modern hall and stage facilities.

STEM: Engineering and Innovation

The school has made significant strides in STEM, taking advantage of Telford's industrial heritage. Specific clubs like the Robotics Club and Coding Society allow students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to real-world problems. The school also participates in regional science competitions, encouraging students to look beyond the classroom for intellectual stimulation.

Sports facilities are excellent, including a large sports hall and outdoor pitches. Football, netball, and athletics are major staples, with school teams competing regularly in Telford and Wrekin leagues.

The school day typically begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. Holy Trinity is located on Teece Drive in Priorslee, which is well-served by local bus routes, though many parents opt for drop-offs, which can lead to congestion during peak hours. The school encourages walking and cycling where safe. For sixth-form students, there is a dedicated study area and common room to allow for independent work during non-contact periods.

• Significant Oversubscription: With over three applications for every place, Holy Trinity is one of the most competitive schools in Telford. Families must ensure they meet the faith criteria and complete the Supplementary Information Form correctly to stand a realistic chance of entry.
• Joint-Faith Commitment: The school’s identity is genuinely Christian. Families who are uncomfortable with regular collective worship, Catholic and Anglican traditions, and mandatory Religious Education may find the environment does not suit their preferences.
• A-Level Trajectory: While GCSE results are solidly in line with England averages, A-level top-grade percentages (A*-B) are currently lower than the national benchmark. This is a point of ongoing development for the sixth form as it continues to grow.

Holy Trinity Academy is a successful, community-focused school that offers a unique joint-faith environment in the heart of Shropshire. It manages to balance a traditional academic curriculum with a modern, inclusive atmosphere that suits a wide variety of learners. Best suited to families who value a Christian-based education and are looking for a school with strong ties to both higher education and local industry. The primary challenge remains the fierce competition for Year 7 places.