Caterham High School
94%
Capacity
991
Pupils
N/A
Demand
About Caterham High School
Caterham High School in Redbridge holds a Good rating from Ofsted, and its strongest academic story is at sixth form. In the 2023/24 academic year, A-level students achieved an average grade of A across their best three subjects, with points per entry also graded at A. The school’s A-level value added score of 0.3 places it in the ‘Above average’ progress banding, meaning students typically leave with better results than their prior attainment would predict. Over half of A-level entries (52.2%) were graded AAB or higher. At GCSE level, the picture is more mixed: the Attainment 8 score sits at 16.8, and the EBacc average point score is 0.81. No pupils entered the EBacc combination of subjects, and the school does not report Progress 8 data, making direct comparison with the local authority average of 0.59 impossible for that measure.
For families focused on sixth form outcomes, Caterham’s results are notably strong. The average A-level grade of A and the above-average value added score suggest that students who stay on make excellent progress. At GCSE, the lack of EBacc entries and the relatively low Attainment 8 score indicate a curriculum that does not prioritise the traditional academic suite, which may suit some students but not others. The school has 991 pupils against a capacity of 1,050, so it is not oversubscribed. It operates a mixed, non-denominational intake and has an official sixth form. Facilities include a swimming pool, theatre, astro turf, tennis courts, and a gymnasium, alongside science labs and music rooms. Clubs range from debate and orchestra to gardening and film club, and sports on offer include hockey, football, athletics, and badminton.
Caterham is a boarding school, which is unusual for a state secondary in Redbridge and may appeal to families needing that option. The local authority has five Outstanding-rated secondary schools out of 20, with the nearest being Woodbridge High School 2.1 km away. For parents weighing up options, Caterham’s sixth form performance is a clear draw, while its GCSE profile suggests a less academically selective approach lower down the school. The range of facilities and clubs points to a broad extracurricular offer, and the school’s capacity not being fully filled may mean it is easier to secure a place than at some neighbouring schools. Families should consider whether the school’s curriculum and exam entry patterns align with their child’s strengths and ambitions.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Caterham Avenue, Ilford, Redbridge, IG5 0QW |
| Headteacher | Belinda Chapple |
| Local Authority | Redbridge |
| Number of Pupils | 991 |
| School Capacity | 991 / 1,050 (94% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
| Boarding | Yes — Boarding school |
GCSE Results
2023/24Attainment 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
49.3
'22/23
45.9
'23/24
48.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Where school leavers go
2022/2382%
of A-level / Level 3 leavers go to higher education (cohort: 155 pupils).
- University (HE)82%
- Employment5%
- Not sustained5%
- Other education2%
- Apprenticeship1%
Sources: DfE 16-18 destination measures (broad bucket); DfE KS5 student destinations file (Russell Group / top-third HE / Oxbridge). Level 3 cohort. “Sustained” means the pupil was in education, apprenticeship or employment for 6 months in the year following completion.
SEND Support
SEN Pupil Breakdown
0
With EHC Plan
260
SEN Support
26.2% of pupils receive SEN support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Pupils & demographics
2024/25Below most schools — predominantly English as first language.
Source: DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics (2024/25). Percentages may not sum to 100% — pupils classified as “unclassified”, “refused” or minor categories are not shown.
Catchment & Local Competition
No catchment data published for this school
The dashed grey ring is a generic 1-mile reference area — it's not an admission boundary. Real catchment depends on year, demand, and council criteria. We currently have real data for about 6% of UK schools and are actively expanding the database.
Schools within 1 mile (reference area)
1 mile is a fixed reference, not this school's catchment.
13
Total schools
11
Oversubscribed
10
Primary
Don’t use the dashed grey ring as a catchment boundary — it’s a reference area for counting nearby schools only. Real admission boundaries depend on year-by-year demand and council criteria; ask the school or council for authoritative info.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caterham High 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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
School Open Days Calendar 2026/27
When open days happen and what to look for
Contact Information
Caterham Avenue, Ilford
Redbridge, IG5 0QW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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