Holy Family Catholic School
139%
Capacity
1,211
Pupils
4.1x
Demand
About Holy Family Catholic School
Holy Family Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Waltham Forest community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,211 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (139% of 869 places).
Ofsted has rated Holy Family Catholic School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Carolyn Laws, it falls under Waltham Forest local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.21 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2030th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 19 in Waltham Forest.
Holy Family Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 632 applications for 153 places, making it 4.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 264 were first-preference applications.
Holy Family Catholic School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the school (146 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Holy Family Catholic School include Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Gymnasium, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Hockey, Dance, Martial Arts and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Film Club, Science Club, Book Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 26.2%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Waltham Forest, Holy Family 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 | 1 Shernhall Street, London, Waltham Forest, E17 3EA |
| Headteacher | Carolyn Laws |
| Local Authority | Waltham Forest |
| Number of Pupils | 1,211 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 26.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,211 / 869 (139% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (9 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 4 Jun 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.21)
2030th of 3,141
Nationally
404th of 487
In London
12th of 19
In Waltham Forest
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.9
'22/23
28.9
'23/24
29.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
146 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
SEN UnitSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed153
632
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
264 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Family 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
1 Shernhall Street, London
Waltham Forest, E17 3EA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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