Holy Cross Catholic High School
Chorley, PR7 3LS · Lancashire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 82 secondary schools in Lancashire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 577 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.7/10 among them, against 8.7/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.83 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 62.1 · 84 | 30% | 2.52 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.75 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.4 · 86 | 10% | 0.86 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holy Cross Catholic High School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2022. In 2024/25, 66.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.75 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.0 out of 10 among them, against 9.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit Warwick Castle, the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium, and language destinations in France and Spain. They also attend live theatre, post-16 college visits, and the Year 11 Prom.
Getting in
The published school roll is 976 pupils against a stated capacity of 975. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the trips to France and Belgium organised for families?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Catholic High School
Overview
Holy Cross Catholic High School continues to be a good school, characterised by strong relationships built on "trust and mutual respect" between pupils and staff. The report highlights an "ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum" that enables pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve well and demonstrate deep understanding of their learning.
Strengths
- Pupils are "very proud to attend this school" and feel included in a "caring school community" where they are well-behaved and safe.
- Leaders have designed a curriculum where the "order of learning has been carefully considered" to help pupils know and remember more, with effective assessment systems to track progress.
- The "programme of wider personal development for pupils is a strength," offering valued extra-curricular clubs, visits, and a well-designed careers programme.
- Teachers adapt curriculum delivery effectively for pupils with SEND, who are "quickly identified" and supported by a specialist team with high expectations.
- Governors carry out their statutory duties effectively, and leaders are mindful of teacher workload when developing new policies.
Areas to improve
- Governors and leaders must scrutinise information about the behaviour, attendance, and extra-curricular uptake of pupils with SEND in "sufficient depth" to evaluate the impact of their work more fully.
- Leaders need to develop more opportunities for pupils to read across the wider curriculum, as some key stage 4 pupils have not developed a "deep enough understanding of the importance of reading."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" and clear systems in place to report concerns, ensuring pupils receive timely help and guidance.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 56.9 |
| 2024/25 | 55.0 |
| 2025/26 | 55.4 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of PR7 3LS, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT