St George's Catholic School

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups, with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those with English as an Additional Language is within the top quintile nationally. The school is also in the highest quintile for pupil deprivation. Despite this context, almost all groups of pupils outperform the average for their group in national examinations. The school's geographical context affords pupils the opportunity to work with city businesses as part of a broad programme of extra-curricular projects.

In 2010, Ofsted stated that “St. George’s has undergone a remarkable transformation and has now confidently emerged from a turbulent period”.[2] The school shot to notoriety in 1995 when headmaster Philip Lawrence was fatally stabbed whilst intervening in a fight outside the school gates in order to protect a pupil. His bravery and dedication were commemorated in the Philip Lawrence Awards which recognises young people's achievements in making a positive difference to their communities. His life and work is marked within the school by the “Philip Lawrence Friendship Garden”. Following Lawrence's death, the school went through many years of difficult transition and appeared as part of the television drama Ahead of the Class which followed the headship of Marie Stubbs.

In 2006 head teacher Martin Tissot joined the staff; he is also now head teacher of St Thomas More Catholic School, Wood Green. He introduced a firm framework for discipline and an emphasis on high expectations with clear boundaries. In 2009 the school became the fifth most improved school in the country. In 2010 Ofsted inspected the school and it was rated outstanding. The school also gained dual specialisms in Business and Humanities. In March 2013 the school converted to academy status.

In 2010, major construction work as part of the “Building Schools for the Future” programme came to a close and the school added the “Curran Block”. These include ICT, Science and Drama facilities as well as a new rooftop sports area.

St. George's pupils have competed four times in the "South African Model United Nations" international debating competition. In 2009, the school's joint team with leading public school, City of London Boys won best team and best speaker.

The Dragon is the school's magazine. Launched in 2006, and issued termly,[1] it is written by staff and pupils and highlights important events and pupil achievements as well as showcasing pupils' work.

St. George's provides a range of opportunities to its local community including drawing classes and an annual senior citizens' Christmas party. A group of pupils also visited Parliament to present to MPs and local councillors on the issues that affected them in their communities.

Over recent years, two St. George's alumnae went to Oxbridge whilst others took places at other Russell Group universities.

In 2010, Year 11 pupils won scholarships to Harrow School and University College School. One of these pupils also won a silver medal in the European under-17s fencing championships in Athens whilst studying for his GCSEs at St. George's.

• School website