Our provision enhances our students’ knowledge and understanding of the world of work, their employability skills, widen their horizons, challenge stereotypes surrounding certain careers and raise aspirations and improve their readiness for post 18 progressions. We are proud of the network and partnerships we have created and have worked with many companies in the city and Canary Wharf. Recent examples include Ashurst LLP, Morrison Foerster LLP, Barts Health NHS Trust, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays, Lloyds, Ogilvy, Wadham College (University of Oxford), Pembroke College (University of Cambridge), University of Southampton, Newcastle University, Imperial College London, University College London and Goldsmiths, University of London. We employ a student achievement co-ordinator and academic mentors to monitor student achievement and attainment to ensure that every student has the experiences and opportunities to receive personalised support; academic, CEIAG and pastoral, if needed.

Each student is given individual and collective support with their UCAS applications and as a school, we have experience and success in supporting and mentoring our students who apply to Oxbridge. Furthermore, we understand that work experience is central in providing young people with invaluable insights into the world of work, helping them to develop important employability skills and make informed choices about their future. We advocate a very hands-on approach and ensure that all students take part in work experience by embedding it into the school year. The school also has drop-down day events to facilitate CEIAG experiences and opportunities; each year we ask that students participate in workshops delivered by the school in UCAS applications and Unifrog (a complete destinations platform), attend university open days and taster seminars/days. In addition to this, the students benefit from a range of events organised by the school, guest speakers in several subjects and industries. We also believe a focus on super-curricular activities is not only key to expanding a student’s horizons but important in developing their academic ability. Students are encouraged and supported to apply for university developed programs such as K+, Realising Opportunities, Queen Mary’s Pathways to Law, Sutton Trust, and the Social Mobility Foundation. These programs are designed to introduce students to undergraduate study and develop subject knowledge and writing skills. Participation is not only favoured by universities and apprenticeship providers due to the knowledge and skills acquired but can also result in lower entry offers to Russell Group Universities.

We are keen to ensure that all of our young people become active members of their community and encourage students to get involved with the numerous extra-curricular clubs and activities that we offer.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): All our students are encouraged and assisted to complete the EPQ. Students are supported to explore a topic in depth, or to be creative, in ways that take them beyond their A Level studies. It is designed to develop and foster independent learning skills that universities value.

Duke of Edinburgh: Every 12 student is provided with the opportunity to complete a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social development of young people. The Award is widely recognised by educationalists and employers.

Common Good: As a Catholic community our students are encouraged to support both local and national causes. We annually support and raise funds for a Christmas present appeal for the St Francis Family Centre in Poplar.

Insights Lecture Series: The Insights Lecture Series is a speaker programme designed to challenge, stretch and inspire our students. Each year we host talks on a diverse range of topics such as science, law and the media.

Visits & Trips: We know that a full programme of visits and trips is a vital way of supplementing what our students learn in the classroom. Trips include international destinations like Rome, Berlin and Poland, as well as trips within London and elsewhere within the UK