Classpot

The Palmer Catholic Academy

Redbridge, IG3 8EUSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2026
Progress 8
+0.49
Above average
−20+2
Competition
0.5×
Not oversubscribed
77 1st-choice / 161 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#523 of 3,141 nationally

About The Palmer Catholic Academy

The Palmer Catholic Academy is a mixed Roman Catholic secondary school in Redbridge that is clearly in demand. With 1,155 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,174, it is running very close to full, and its 2025/26 admissions data confirms the pressure: 334 applications for 161 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.07. Only 76 of 77 first-preference applicants received offers, meaning the school is heavily oversubscribed even among families who put it top of their list. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 26.8%, which is notably above the national average for secondary schools and suggests a genuinely comprehensive intake. The school’s religious character is Roman Catholic, and while the data does not specify admissions criteria, the combination of high demand and a faith-based ethos likely shapes the profile of the families who secure places.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
AddressAldborough Road South, Ilford, Redbridge, IG3 8EU
HeadteacherPaul Downey
Local AuthorityRedbridge
Number of Pupils1,155
Free School Meals (FSM)26.8%
School Capacity1,155 / 1,174 (98% full)
Sixth FormYes

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

26 Jan 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (26 Jan 2022): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 7 Nov 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

9
Sports HallArt StudiosPlaying FieldsTheatreScience LabsSwimming PoolSixth Form CentreMusic RoomsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

14

Sports

FootballCricketRoundersBasketballMartial ArtsHockey

Clubs & Activities

DramaDebateModel United NationsBook ClubYoung EnterpriseScience ClubArt ClubNewspaper

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Palmer Catholic Academy

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