Bishop Challoner Catholic School
115%
Capacity
1,034
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Bishop Challoner Catholic School
Bishop Challoner Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Tower Hamlets community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,034 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (115% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Bishop Challoner Catholic School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Adam Hall, it falls under Tower Hamlets local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.78 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 58.1. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 204th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 17 in Tower Hamlets.
Bishop Challoner Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 377 applications for 167 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 245 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bishop Challoner Catholic School include ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Library, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Tennis, Cross Country, Hockey and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Model UN, Choir, DofE and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 9.9%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Tower Hamlets, Bishop Challoner Catholic School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | 352 Commercial Road, London, Tower Hamlets, E1 0LB |
| Headteacher | Adam Hall |
| Local Authority | Tower Hamlets |
| Number of Pupils | 1,034 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 9.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,034 / 900 (115% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (14 Sept 2023): School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next
Source: Ofsted, 13 Jun 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.78)
204th of 3,141
Nationally
81st of 487
In London
2nd of 17
In Tower Hamlets
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed167
377
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
245 families put this school as their 1st choice (65% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bishop Challoner Catholic School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
352 Commercial Road, London
Tower Hamlets, E1 0LB
352 Commercial Road, London
Tower Hamlets, E1 0LB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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