Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
St Albans, AL4 0TT · Hertfordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
13th of 78 secondary schools in Hertfordshire we can score, 82 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 536 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.5/10 among them, against 8.9/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 66.5 · 88 | 30% | 2.64 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.75 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.0 · 85 | 10% | 0.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 56.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.75 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.5 out of 10 among them, against 8.9 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,134 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,056. 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 specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How does the admissions process work for new entrants given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
Overview
Pupils at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School receive an “exemplary education” within a culture defined by “high levels of mutual care and respect.” The report describes the school as a “treasure” where staff model positive behaviours, resulting in a calm environment where pupils are “unwaveringly polite, kind, confident and thoughtful.”
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious across all subjects” with “consistently precise” delivery, enabling pupils to produce high-quality work and address misconceptions immediately.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported to “access and thrive in lessons” and achieve exceptionally well under the same high expectations as their peers.
- Behaviour is a “major strength,” with “extremely low” suspension levels and pupils learning without disturbance, supported by sixth-form role models.
- The personal development curriculum is “extraordinary,” extending far beyond requirements through enrichment activities, charitable events, and a well-developed mentoring programme.
- “Strong, principled leadership” drives improvement, with staff feeling their well-being is taken seriously and receiving “second to none” support from leaders.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 54.4 |
| 2024/25 | 56.4 |
| 2025/26 | 55.0 |
| 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
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