Classpot

Bishop Challoner Catholic School

Tower Hamlets, E1 0LBSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Sep 2023
Progress 8
+0.78
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.5×
Oversubscribed
245 1st-choice / 167 places
Ranking
🏆Top 10%
#204 of 3,141 nationally

About Bishop Challoner Catholic School

Bishop Challoner Catholic School in Tower Hamlets is a mixed secondary that is significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its local demand. With 1,034 pupils on roll against a capacity of 900, the school is running well above its official limit. For the 2025/26 intake, there were 377 applications for 167 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.26, and 245 families put it as their first preference. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 9.9%, which is notably lower than the national average for secondary schools, suggesting a relatively less disadvantaged intake compared with many London state schools. The school’s Roman Catholic character shapes its identity, and it serves the 11-18 age range under headteacher Adam Hall. Its popularity is reflected in the fact that 164 first-preference offers were made, leaving many applicants disappointed.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
Address352 Commercial Road, London, Tower Hamlets, E1 0LB
HeadteacherAdam Hall
Local AuthorityTower Hamlets
Number of Pupils1,034
Free School Meals (FSM)9.9%
School Capacity1,034 / 900 (115% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

14 Sept 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (14 Sept 2023): School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next

Source: Ofsted, 13 Jun 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
ICT SuiteMusic RoomsPlaying FieldsAstro TurfLibrarySwimming PoolSports HallScience LabsTennis CourtsSixth Form CentreDining HallChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

13

Sports

RowingTennisCross CountryHockeyAthleticsSwimmingCricket

Clubs & Activities

DramaModel United NationsChoirDuke of EdinburghBook ClubChess

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bishop Challoner Catholic School

Bishop Challoner Catholic School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.