Welcome to the Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust News page, where we keep you informed about the latest events, achievements, and updates from our schools. Stay tuned for exciting announcements and important information that highlights the vibrant life of our community.
We are all looking forward to the half-term break at the end of what has been a very busy period.
Everyone has been working hard to prepare our children to succeed in their SATs in our primary schools and GCSEs and A Levels in our secondary schools. This is often a time when we celebrate their successes, but recognise that pupils can also feel under pressure, so I want to thank the staff and parents for all the care and support they have shown.
It was especially lovely to see this recognised by parents at Bishop Challoner, one of whom said:
“I just wanted to say that the effort, support, communication, interventions and revision timetable have been amazing. I’ve even had friends whose children attend other schools say that Bishop’s intervention has been great compared to their child’s.”
Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust would like to thank Ms Angelina John for her many years of dedicated service as she prepares to step down from her role as Headteacher of St Elizabeth Catholic Primary School at the end of the academic year.
Ms John has served the school community for many years, including 13 years as Headteacher, and has made a significant contribution to the life of the school. Under her leadership, St Elizabeth’s has continued to develop as a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils are supported to grow academically, spiritually and personally.
In recognition of her long service and commitment to the school, Ms John will relinquish her day-to-day duties from 30 May 2026. We are grateful for her leadership, dedication and care for the children, staff and families of the school, and we wish her every happiness in the future.
To provide continuity and stability for the school community, Ms Naomi Sutherland, St Elizabeth’s current Assistant Headteacher, will take on the role of Head of School. Ms Louise Nottage, current Headteacher of St Anne’s and Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School, has been appointed as Executive Headteacher and will work across both schools.
As the Spring term draws to a close, we are proud to share the many achievements and experiences across the Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust. This has been a term marked by reflection, growth and purposeful learning, as our school communities journeyed through Lent and prepared for the joy of Easter.
Pupils have engaged fully in their learning, demonstrating resilience and enthusiasm both in the classroom and beyond. From World Book Day celebrations and enriching trips to creative arts, sport and hands-on STEM experiences, students have embraced a wide range of opportunities that support both academic and personal development.
Across the Trust, we have continued to strengthen our community, and we were delighted to welcome St Mary’s Priory Catholic Infant and Junior School into the Lux Mundi family. This important step reflects our shared commitment to inclusive, high-quality Catholic education and continued collaboration across our schools.
Acts of service, charitable initiatives and moments of prayer and reflection have remained central, highlighting the compassion and values lived out daily in our schools.
We extend our thanks to our staff, governors, families and parish communities for their continued support, and we look forward to all that the Summer term will bring.
We are delighted to welcome St Mary’s Priory Catholic Infant & Junior School into the Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust as part of our Haringey Hub.
This wonderful school lives its motto daily of ‘Where great lives begin’ and brings with it a strong sense of community, a deep commitment to Catholic mission, and a clear focus on the flourishing of every child and a commitment to taking care of the world God has given us. Under the leadership of Executive Headteacher, Jane Ronan, St Mary’s Priory School has built an ambitious, inclusive and inspiring environment where children are supported to grow in confidence, respect, and kindness.
At Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust, collaboration is key. We look forward to building meaningful partnerships as Catholic schools in Haringey join our schools in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, sharing expertise, and working together so that all our pupils benefit from the strength of our shared mission.
Welcome aboard, St Mary’s Priory School – we are delighted to be on this journey with you!
As the Autumn term concludes, we are proud to highlight the achievements across the Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust. Pupils have embraced learning, creativity, and faith through Masses, Advent liturgies, Nativity performances, and charitable initiatives, reflecting our commitment to hope, peace, joy, and love.
Schools have achieved strong academic outcomes, and pupils have benefited from enrichment activities including music, drama, chess, street dance, and cooking, alongside visits to local and national landmarks. The Trust continues to grow, welcoming new colleagues and Directors, expanding SEND and safeguarding support, and preparing to integrate additional schools from Haringey.
Our pupils have also shown compassion and civic responsibility through charitable work and environmental initiatives. We thank our staff, governors, parish priests, families, and wider communities for their support and look forward to building on this success in the new year.
We are proud to celebrate another year of excellent post-16 and GCSE results across our two secondary schools, Bishop Challoner Catholic School in Tower Hamlets and Cardinal Pole Catholic School in Hackney. Both schools have once again demonstrated the Trust’s mission to provide a Catholic education that serves as a guiding light, embracing diversity, celebrating achievement, and nurturing the whole child.
At Bishop Challoner Catholic School, GCSE outcomes were particularly strong across a range of subjects including Dance, Art, Biology, English, French, Maths, Physics and Sociology, all of which achieved results well above the national average. Cardinal Pole Catholic School, named 2024 School of the Year, also delivered another year of exceptional progress, placing the school within the top 25% nationally. Subjects such as English, History and RE shone particularly strongly, while arts departments excelled with 100% of students passing 3D Design, 94% in Art, and 83% in Music.Â
Executive Headteacher, Adam Hall, said: “Our results are proof that when you treat children with dignity and compassion, they rise. This is what education in Hackney demands of us, that we see the potential in every child, no matter the circumstances. We don’t close our doors to those seeking help.”
At Post-16, both schools also saw significant success. At Bishop Challoner, nearly 80% of all grades were at C or above, with exceptional outcomes in Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths, and Religious Studies (100% A*-C) and Sociology (100% A*-C, 87% A*-B). BTEC subjects also performed strongly with 100% of students achieving D*-M. Many students are progressing to Russell Group universities, including Warwick, UCL, King’s College London and Queen Mary.
Cardinal Pole’s Sixth Form also excelled, with five departments achieving 100% A*-C and over half of students achieving A*-B. Highlights included 100% A*-B in Further Maths, and exceptional performance in History, with 70% A*-B and 30% A*/A. CTEC subjects achieved a 100% pass rate, with many students progressing to prestigious universities and apprenticeships.
Across both schools, the results reflect the Trust’s commitment to securing strong academic outcomes while nurturing the values of faith, service, and community.
Mr Hall added: “I couldn’t be more proud of this group of young people. It has been amazing to see their smiles as they opened up their results today. A massive thank you goes out to our wonderful staff, who have worked tirelessly with our students. We also extend our gratitude to parents for their support at home, and of course, to our governors for their invaluable guidance. We are confident that our students will go on to achieve in whatever path they have chosen next.”
As the academic year draws to a close, we are excited to share the Summer 2025 edition of the Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust newsletter, highlighting a term full of success, community, and faith. Read the newsletter here.Â
This term has been marked by outstanding SATs results, memorable trips, lively sports days, and creative performances that have brought our schools to life. Pupils have shown focus and enthusiasm both inside and beyond the classroom, supported by dedicated staff nurturing their growth.
We welcome new colleagues to our team, strengthening key areas such as safeguarding and finance, and are proud to introduce a new Director whose experience will enhance our leadership.
This year, our schools have embraced the 2025 Jubilee Year theme, Pilgrims of Hope, answering Pope Francis’ call through prayer, service, and solidarity. Pupils and staff have lived out faith, compassion, and service, anchoring our community in hope as we look forward to a new year of learning and growth.
We are pleased to share the Spring 2025 edition of the Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust newsletter, celebrating a season of growth, achievement, and shared purpose across our schools. Read the newsletter here.Â
Since its formation in 2024, Lux Mundi has grown rapidly, now working with schools across Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and soon Haringey. This expansion reflects the Trust’s strong commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence in Catholic education.
This edition includes updates from headteachers, highlights from the classroom, and reflections on faith, learning, and community life. Pupils have enjoyed exciting trips, creative workshops, and meaningful acts of service, while staff share powerful insights into Early Years education, the value of play, and pastoral care.
We are also proud to honour the news of Director James Coyle, who was awarded an MBE for his exceptional contribution to education. His passion and service reflect the values that guide the Lux Mundi Trust in supporting every child to flourish.
We are delighted to announce that Cardinal Pole Catholic School has been awarded the prestigious School of the Year award at the National Schools Awards 2024!
The National Schools Awards celebrate excellence across the education sector. Schools are shortlisted in one of eight categories, with a panel of industry experts selecting the winners. Judges from the National Governance Association and the Confederation of School Trusts use their expertise to recognise schools demonstrating outstanding achievement.
This award recognises schools that have significantly improved pupil outcomes, overcome challenges, or shown exceptional dedication to their communities. Judges agreed that Cardinal Pole Catholic School provides outstanding educational outcomes for their students, making them a deserving winner.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at the House of Lords. Baroness Berridge, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the School System, praised the awards for recognising the “skill, commitment, and hard work it takes to deliver the best possible education.” These values are central to everything we do at Cardinal Pole.
We are delighted to announce that St Anne’s and Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School has officially joined the Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust. This vibrant Catholic primary school, serving families from Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, and Hoxton, is known for being an oasis of calm and purposeful learning within its vibrant multicultural community.
The school’s mission to “seek excellence for all” by living out the values of Jesus Christ aligns with Lux Mundi’s vision of fostering faith, respect, and compassion in an inclusive and nurturing environment. Both the school and trust are dedicated to welcoming children of all faiths and none, ensuring every student is valued and supported to thrive academically, spiritually and personally.
Leaders at Lux Mundi Catholic Academy Trust look forward to working closely with the staff and governors at St Anne’s and Guardian Angels to continue delivering the outstanding education for which the school is renowned.
