St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester
Durham, DH7 0RD · County Durham · secondary school
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22nd of 30 secondary schools in County Durham we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 5.3/10 against 919 of them, against 5.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 16 | 35% | 0.55 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 43.3 · 45 | 30% | 1.36 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.22 · 66 | 25% | 1.66 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.8 · 49 | 10% | 0.49 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 42.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 44.9, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.22 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs for computer coding, science, geography, languages, history, and business. They participate in creative crafts, music ensembles, and drama. Trips include visits to France, Poland, Iceland, America, London, Oxford, York, and Holy Island, alongside a ski trip. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,240 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,450. 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 in English and maths? What specific support is available for students preparing for the sixth form? How are the various club activities scheduled to fit
What Ofsted said about St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester
Overview
The report describes a school that is "on a journey of improvement" following a change in leadership, with stakeholders celebrating a "strengthening inclusive culture" and higher standards of behaviour. Pupils are characterised as "safe, cared for and happy" within a nurturing environment that promotes "love and kindness." While the school meets the expected standard across all inspection categories, leaders acknowledge there is "still more work to do" to ensure consistent outcomes for all pupils.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Behaviour has seen "significant improvement," creating a "calm and orderly environment" with rapidly falling suspension rates.
- Attendance is in line with national averages, supported by a "clear strategy" and dedicated staff working with families to "break down barriers."
- Careers education is a strength, helping pupils develop a "secure pathway to ambitious next steps."
- Staff feel "very well supported," contributing to a "sense of purpose and togetherness" that positively impacts pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teaching "consistently helps pupils build on prior knowledge to deepen, extend and connect their learning."
- Improvements are needed in support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities so they "consistently achieve in their learning, attend well and meet the school's high expectations."
- Leaders should continue to build positive relationships with stakeholders to enhance pupils' outcomes.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.8 |
| 2024/25 | 44.9 |
| 2025/26 | 45.8 |
| 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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