| Caterham High School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
| , , IG5 0QW | |
| Coordinates | 51°35′35″N0°03′41″E / 51.59297885710327°N 0.06149418278561153°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Community school |
| Religious affiliation | Mixed |
| Established | 17 April 1956 [1] |
| Local authority | Redbridge |
| Department for Education URN | 102849 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Head teacher | B. Chapple |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Age | 11to 18 |
| Website | www |
Caterham High School
Location: Caterham Avenue, Clayhall, London Borough of Redbridge, England
Established: 17 April 1956
Type: Community school
Age Range: 11–18
Gender: Co-educational
Website: www.ecaterham.net
Overview
Caterham High School is a mixed comprehensive secondary school and sixth form located in Clayhall, London. It serves approximately 1,100 students aged 11 to 18. The school combines an inclusive ethos with a strong academic culture, aiming to develop intellectual curiosity, resilience and ambition in every learner.
Academic Excellence
Caterham High School offers a broad and challenging curriculum designed to stretch and inspire students:
- Key Stage 3: A knowledge-rich curriculum with thematic links across subjects to deepen understanding.
- Key Stage 4: Wide range of GCSE options, including triple science, modern languages, and creative subjects.
- Sixth Form: Diverse A-level and vocational pathways, complemented by academic mentoring and university preparation.
- Strong record of university progression and academic enrichment
Enrichment Opportunities:
STEM clubs, debating society, and academic competitions.
Partnerships with universities and industry for aspirational career pathways.
Extended learning through Enrichment Days and Academic Challenge Weeks.
Exam Success:
Consistent improvement in GCSE and A-level outcomes.
High proportion of students progressing to Russell Group universities and competitive apprenticeships.
2025 Results:
GCSE Outcomes (2025):
- Attainment 8 score: 45.7 (National Average: 46)
- 68% achieved grade 4+ in English and Maths
- 44% achieved grade 5+ in English and Maths
- 49 grade 9s awarded across subjects
- 83% of high-attaining students achieved grade 7+ in English and Maths (average grade 7.7)
- English grade 4+: 78% (National: 59%)
- Maths grade 4+: 62% (National: 58%)
- English Language grade 7+: 17% (National: 15%)
- Maths grade 7+: 23% (National: 16%)
Destinations:
- 90% of students stayed in education or employment post-16
- Sixth Form students regularly progress to universities including Russell Group institutions such as UCL, York and King’s College London
University Progression:
Caterham High School supports students through its Sixth Form and partnerships such as the Elephant Group, which promotes access to Russell Group universities.
- 88% of students progressed to education or employment post-16 (2021 data)
- Sixth Form students regularly secure places at universities including Russell Group institutions
- The school offers personalised guidance, summer schools, and interview preparation for competitive course
Ethos and Pastoral Care
The school’s pastoral system complements its academic ambition, ensuring students are ready to learn and thrive. The Pastoral Curriculum integrates study skills, goal setting, and mental health support alongside academic progress.
Access & Inclusion
Academic success is supported by targeted interventions:
SEND and Literacy Support: Specialist staff provide small-group teaching and bespoke programmes.
Deaf and ASD Provisions: Students access mainstream curriculum with tailored support.
EAL Academy: Intensive English and subject-specific teaching for rapid integration.
Mental Health & Wellbeing: Includes the Zen Den, emotional literacy specialists, and counselling.
Safeguarding Leadership
Caterham High School is nationally recognised for safeguarding excellence, holding the Leaders in Safeguarding Gold Award, Online Safety Certified School and the 360° Safe Online Safety Mark. Its safeguarding ethos ensures students feel safe to achieve their highest academic potential.
Quality in Careers Award
Caterham High School has been awarded the Quality in Careers Standard, using the Career Mark approach. This national award recognises excellence in careers education and guidance provision and is fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks.
The award demonstrates that the school meets rigorous national accreditation criteria and is committed to continuous improvement in its careers programme. The Quality in Careers Standard is strongly recommended by the Department for Education and is regarded as a benchmark of best practice in CEIAG delivery.
Facilities
Modern classrooms, ICT suites, science labs, and extensive sports facilities, including a swimming pool and gymnasiums.
Achievements
Ofsted rating: Good (2022)
Strong record of university progression and academic enrichment.
Notable Media Coverage:
GCSE Results Success
Caterham High School reported a 12% improvement in GCSE results in 2025, surpassing the national average. Students achieved multiple grade 9s, and Headteacher Belinda Chapple praised resilience and opportunity for all.
Read full article on Ilford Recorder [ilfordrecorder.co.uk]
Safeguarding Excellence
Caterham High School was rated “the safest school in the UK”, becoming the first mainstream school to achieve the Leaders in Safeguarding Gold Award.
Read full article on This Is Local London [thisisloca...ndon.co.uk]
National Academic Recognition
The school was awarded membership of NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) for its innovative “Think Hard” strategy, which challenges high-achieving students with complex questions to deepen critical thinking.
Read full article on Ilford Recorder
Additional coverage on This Is Local London [ilfordrecorder.co.uk] [thisisloca...ndon.co.uk]
Canon Young People Programme
Caterham High partnered with Canon UK for workshops on storytelling, equality, and biodiversity, empowering students to create visual narratives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Read full article on Photography News
Read full article on Camera Jabber [photograph...news.co.uk] [camerajabber.com]
Political Literacy at Parliament
Year 12 students from Caterham High won a Political and Media Literacy quiz at the Houses of Parliament, defeating a team of journalists and MPs in an event hosted by Shout Out UK.
Read full article on Shout Out UK
Additional coverage on DISA [shoutoutuk.org] [disa.org]
Student Success Stories
Rony Salazar, who arrived in the UK with no English, achieved three Bs at A-level and secured an apprenticeship, showcasing Caterham High’s strong EAL and pastoral support.
Read full article on Ilford Recorder [ilfordrecorder.co.uk]
Sports Achievement
Caterham High students took the top three places at a national adaptive judo competition, highlighting the school’s inclusive sports ethos.
Read full article on Ilford Recorder [ilfordrecorder.co.uk]
Community Project
Caterham High School partnered with Redbridge Council and Thames Water on a major flood alleviation scheme, installing rain gardens and water storage systems to protect the school and local community.
Read full report on Redbridge Council [redbridge.gov.uk]
