Painsley Catholic College
Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 1LH · Staffordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 56 secondary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 70 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 665 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.0/10 among them, against 8.3/10 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 | 34% | 1.79 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 59.5 · 80 | 30% | 2.44 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.51 · 84 | 25% | 2.13 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 56.3 · 87 | 10% | 0.89 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Painsley Catholic College overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, last inspected in 2022. In 2024/25, 63.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 58.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.51 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.8 out of 10 among them, against 8.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access an artist in residence, screen-print workshops, and an after-school club. Trips include a Year 7 residential, outdoor education, a ski trip, Barcelona, The Pitt Rivers museum, and the British Ceramics Biennial.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,340 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,447. 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
How does the school support pupils to maintain progress scores above the national baseline? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher attainment in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about Painsley Catholic College
Overview
The report describes a school where staff maintain "very high academic expectations," resulting in pupils who "make excellent progress" and achieve "high standards." While the overall effectiveness is judged as Good, the quality of education and sixth-form provision are rated Outstanding, reflecting a "well-established, ambitious, academic curriculum."
Strengths
- Pupils "rise to the school’s high expectations" and are "exceptionally well prepared for their next steps."
- Teachers are "experts in their subjects" who "explain new content well" and provide skilful feedback.
- The sixth form offers a "rich and well planned" enrichment programme that develops essential life and employability skills.
- Almost all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities study the same curriculum as peers, with progress that "exceeds that of other pupils."
- Leaders promote reading effectively, ensuring even those who find it difficult become "proficient readers."
Areas to improve
- Leaders and governors must "engage more effectively with the views of pupils and parents" to address concerns that some stakeholders feel are ignored.
- The school should ensure pupils "always seek help when they need it," as some are reluctant to report issues due to fear of peer reaction.
- Leaders should provide more information on maintaining mental well-being, as they were previously "unaware of this feeling among pupils."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving "plentiful and well-focused safeguarding training" and being alert to signs that pupils may need extra support.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 57.0 |
| 2024/25 | 58.8 |
| 2025/26 | 56.3 |
| 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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