Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School
Widnes, WA8 7DW · Halton · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 8 secondary schools in Halton we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.1/10 against 496 of them, against 1.9/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.83 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 35.1 · 24 | 30% | 0.74 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.61 · 11 | 25% | 0.29 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.9 · 19 | 10% | 0.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 33.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.61 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Homework Club, The Brilliant Club, Samba Band, Eco-committee, and Faith groups. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,337 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,677. 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 close the gap between their Progress 8 score and the national baseline? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median? How does the school integrate the after-school club into the daily timetable for pupils needing extra help?
What Ofsted said about Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School
Overview
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School continues to be a good school. Pupils are described as proud to attend, feeling "well cared for and valued," while leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and academic achievement. The school provides a broad curriculum that effectively prepares students for life beyond school, with particular success in supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, are polite, and "wear their uniforms with pride," creating a positive environment where they feel happy and safe.
- Subject leaders have designed "ambitious subject curriculums" with thoughtfully ordered learning, ensuring pupils securely embed knowledge before progressing.
- Leaders accurately identify pupils who find reading difficult, providing effective support that helps them become "confident and fluent readers."
- There is a "rich breadth of activities" on offer, including clubs and drama productions, which pupils value and enjoy.
- Staff receive support for their well-being and workload, and governors actively listen to pupil views to shape the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, some teachers do not select the most appropriate activities to deepen learning, meaning some pupils lack the "rich subject knowledge" found in other areas. Leaders must ensure teachers are supported to design effective approaches that enable pupils to practise and strengthen their knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to spot risks and report concerns quickly, ensuring pupils receive timely help and feel confident seeking support.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.9 |
| 2024/25 | 41.4 |
| 2025/26 | 39.9 |
| 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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