It certainly has been a final term filled with purpose and pride as we come to the end of another academic year. The energy and commitment from staff and students alike has remained unwavering, and the pace certainly hasn’t slowed at Cardinal Pole.
We began the term by wishing our Year 11 and Sixth Form students well as they embarked on their public examinations. Their conduct throughout the exam season has been a credit to them and to the school, and we look forward to celebrating their results in the Summer.
Beyond the exam hall, our students have continued to flourish. Our athletes impressed once again at the London Youth Games, bringing home medals and showcasing real team spirit. The Duke of Edinburgh expedition saw both Year 10 (Vanina) and Year 13 students demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness – a sign that many are well on their way to achieving their Bronze Award and beyond.
We were also privileged to be represented at the Pilgrims of Hope Liturgy at Westminster Cathedral. This inspiring gathering brought together schools from across the Diocese to reflect on the message that we are loved simply because we are His - a reminder of the faith and values that shape our community.
Our Summer Concert was another highlight, offering a wonderful celebration of musical talent from across the school. It was fantastic to see so many families joining us to support the performers, and the atmosphere on the evening was one of real joy and pride.
As we bring the year to a close, I want to thank all members of our community - students, staff, families and friends - for your continued support and dedication. It has been a year of growth, success and challenge, and one we can all look back on with pride.
We, as a whole school community, continue to remember Marvin Stephens and his family in our prayers.
Wishing you a restful and refreshing Summer break.
Yours in service,
Adam Hall
Executive Headteacher
🏘️♻️ "STEM club are building a smart village using recycled materials! They are learning the importance of technology that helps people to live in a clean environment. The project will take 4 weeks to complete!" ~ Ms Filice
🎉👏 Congratulations to all the Year 9s who were recognised at their Rewards Assembly! Certificates were awarded those who exemplified our SOAR (Service, Opportunity, Aspiration, Reward) values and those who worked really hard in their subjects. Well done everyone!
It's been great to see the students helping each other, staying positive, and identifying gaps in their knowledge so they can improve! Well done and stay strong! " 🫶 ~ Ms Coria
💬📊 "Last week at Cardinal Pole I was fortunate to take some of our Year 12 students to Paul, Weiss offices for their Private Markets Impact Day! The event was coordinated by Making The Leap, who give students the chance to build connections and learn about the range of careers available in professional services, finance and more.
Students spent the day speed networking with professionals who would go on to assist them with CV writing and interview skills. Our students excelled in this environment and it was brilliant to see!
A massive thank you to everyone at Paul, Weiss, for making us feel so welcome and to Making The Leap for inviting us to the event!" 🏢🧑💼 ~ Mr Howard
🎉🫂 "Celebrating the strength of many, united by compassion. These young carers, among many others, exemplify responsibility and shared values! We're so incredibly proud of you all!" ~ Mrs Toma
🧑🔧🧑💼 "Monday kicked off Day 1 of Futures Week for Year 10 and Year 12. Our students were treated to workshops across a variety of industries. From Property to Media, Sport to Architecture, Law to Engineering, we covered it all! Our students loved getting involved and gaining insight into these industries. A massive thank you to all the companies that came in and inspired our students." 🧑⚕️👷 ~ Mr Howard
🧑💻🧑💼 "On Day 2 of our Futures Week at Cardinal Pole, we invited Kraft Heinz into our 6th Form to run an employability day with our Year 12 students! Our students learned about life at Kraft Heinz, then moved on to CV writing and interview practice and techniques, visibly increasing in confidence and self-belief as the session went on. A massive thanks to Kraft Heinz for their generosity in freeing up such wonderful staff for the day, and a huge thank you to Isoboye Soberetonari, Oliver Angove, Pascal Ezeabasili, Natalie Grad, Marie Medenis, Elias Joshua Mead, Chloe Brand, Teniola Atiku, Leah Blampey and Oyinkan Kasunmu. Without their efforts, this day wouldn't have been possible!" ~ Mr Howard
"Year 9 visited the Science Museum this week - they enjoyed walking around South Kensington to get there and a great workshop on communication and presentation skills. A successful day!" ~ Ms Hayward 🧑🔬🥼🔭
🏕️ "Fantastic two days with the Y10 and Y13 students on the Duke of Edinburgh Expedition! All students showed amazing resilience and reached each check point safely and within good time.
Some students showed great camp-craft especially putting up the tents, using the stoves to cook their food, and leaving a tidy space. It was like they were never there!
Students are on track to complete their Bronze award and hopefully we continue on this trajectory to achieve the Silver and Gold award!" 🌳
~ Miss Zafar
The Importance of Male Role Models for Young People in Hackney
In Hackney, a borough celebrated for its diversity and resilience, the importance of positive male role models in the lives of young people - both boys and girls - cannot be overstated. Amid the challenges of inequality, social pressures, and limited access to opportunity, the presence of consistent, positive male figures plays a vital role in shaping young minds and futures.
For young boys, male role models help challenge toxic stereotypes often portrayed in the media - images that equate masculinity with aggression, emotional detachment, or dominance. Instead, a positive male presence - whether it's a teacher, coach, mentor, or community leader - can offer a broader, healthier definition of manhood. These figures can demonstrate emotional intelligence, respect, accountability, and resilience, encouraging boys to express themselves honestly and make empowered choices.
Young girls, too, benefit immensely from seeing men in supportive, nurturing, and respectful roles. Positive male role models help normalise gender equality and foster expectations of respect, partnership, and mutual understanding. When girls grow up around men who uplift and advocate for them, it builds confidence and sets the standard for future relationships - personal, academic, and professional.
At Cardinal Pole Catholic School, for example, strong male role models are already making a difference. Mr Tavares, who began as a Teaching Assistant and has worked his way up to Deputy Headteacher, exemplifies perseverance, leadership, and dedication to young people’s success. Similarly, Mr Wilson-Stroud is known for giving up his personal time to mentor and support students, including those he doesn't directly teach - showing that guidance and care can extend beyond the classroom. These examples serve as everyday inspiration for students and staff alike.
In a community like Hackney, where many young people navigate complex environments and may face barriers at school or home, the presence of such mentors can be life-changing. And beyond schools, strong male influences often start at home.
Fathers, grandfathers, older brothers, and uncles who show up consistently with love, encouragement, and guidance can lay powerful foundations for a child’s confidence, sense of security, and values. These family relationships are often the first experience children have of what a positive male presence can look like. Crucially, having more male role models in educational and community settings also helps dismantle the idea that care, teaching, and mentorship are female responsibilities. It promotes a more balanced and inclusive approach to youth development.
Investing in male role models is not just about supporting boys or improving academic outcomes; it’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect, aspiration, and positive identity for all young people in Hackney. By ensuring that children see and interact with strong, compassionate men, we help create a community where everyone is empowered to thrive.
By Mr Godwin Martin
Deputy Head of Year 8
Cardinal Pole Sports Day Success
Our Sports Day was another great success this week. Some standout performances include Beverley from 7 More, who captured three medals - including anchoring the 7 More girls’ relay team to a dominant victory!
For Year 7 boys, Dominik and Arinze each received three medals, including gold in the relay for 7 Southwell boys. The Year 8 track was set alight by both the boys and girls, with many of our athletics superstars in action. It was capped off with a show-stopping relay race that saw Godwin hold off tough competition to secure gold for 8 More.
Many students also had the chance to compete in events and show off their talents for the first time. Over on the football pitch, there was excellent competition, with 7 Line standing out by capturing the Girls’ Cup victory.
It was fabulous to see teams and peers cheering each other on - a fantastic day for all the students.
Outstanding Achievements at the London Youth Games
The weekend brought even more triumph on the track for Cardinal Pole students at the prestigious London Youth Games. Representing Hackney and Tower Hamlets, our students were selected for their success in borough competitions - remarkably, 50% of the Hackney team was made up of Cardinal Pole students, and two others represented Tower Hamlets.
Canilson stormed to Gold in the 200m, while the boys’ Year 8 relay team - Idowu, Bradley, Godwin and Canilson - also clinched Gold in the 4x100m. The boys additionally earned Bronze as the Hackney team placed third overall.
The Hackney Council sporting lead shared:
“The Hackney team were amazing and so supportive of each other, even though they were from different schools. A pleasure to be around.”
Futures Week was an exciting and enriching experience for Year 10 and Year 12 students, filled with opportunities to explore university life and a range of career paths through hands-on workshops and external visits.
The week began with in-school workshops led by professionals from across diverse industries including Media, Sport, Architecture, Law, Property, and Engineering. These sessions gave students the chance to explore different fields and ask questions directly to those working in them.
Students then headed out to explore university life first-hand. Year 10s visited Teesside University London, where they took part in a robot programming workshop and learned about the benefits of higher education. At the University of Hertfordshire, students met undergraduates, explored the campus, and took part in a student life workshop.
Former Student Returns with a Special Gift
We were delighted to welcome back former student Richard Taylor, now a professional footballer, who returned to Cardinal Pole Catholic School to present his former Head of Year with a shirt from his time at St Mirren.
Richard has recently signed for Bolton Wanderers - an exciting new chapter in his career. Bolton are not only gaining a talented player but also a humble and principled young man.
We are extremely proud of Richard and wish him every success in the next stage of his journey.
Contact US
Website: https://www.cardinalpole.co.uk/
Location: 205 Morning Ln, London E9 6LG, UK
Phone: 020 8985 5150