Nace Challenge Award

Camberwell School recognised for its Outstanding Provision for Gifted Children

Sacred Heart School in Camberwell is no ordinary inner city comprehensive. The National Association for Able Children in Education, (NACE) has honoured the school by renewing its status as one of only 200 top schools in the country, including independent schools, which have received ‘The Challenge Award'.

NACE is a leading national education organization which exists to improve the provision in schools for pupils with the ‘potential to achieve significantly above their peers' across all subjects; whether it is in music, physics or PE. The NACE assessors were ‘overwhelmed by the culture of aspiration and achievement which is so deeply embedded into the school's culture' and said that Sacred Heart was a ‘fantastic school'.

The assessors further praised the strong leadership and management of provision which keeps the needs of more able learners at the forefront of the school's work. The Headteacher, Mr Serge Cefai said, ‘I am delighted that the daily commitment to excellence by my teachers has been acknowledged and celebrated. I am very proud of what we achieve here every day'.

The decision to give the award was made by observing lessons, interviewing the pupils and teachers and reviewing the school's impressive examinations performance. To achieve the Award for a second time is most challenging, and only given when schools demonstrate that they have sustained a very high level of provision over the last four years and addressed any development points from their last assessment. Finally, they will need to demonstrate a commitment to continuing excellent provision for Able, Gifted and Talented pupils for the next four years.

The NACE Challenge Award
Reaccreditation Report
Sacred Heart Catholic School /
Summary statement:
The Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School has been successful in its reaccreditation as a Challenge Award School. The school has addressed the key issues since the initial assessment and has continued to drive forward in a very impressive way. High expectations are deeply imbedded in all aspects of school life led by the Senior Management Team and a totally committed staff. There has been a year on year improvement in attainment for all students while identified G&T pupils have excelled. The pupils reported that the opportunities for enrichment and extension were outstanding and were available after school and at weekends. Aspirational speakers and events such as residential opportunities at Universities are highly valued