St John Fisher Catholic Academy
Harrogate, HG2 8PT · North Yorkshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
12th of 41 secondary schools in North Yorkshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 531 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.7/10 among them, against 8.2/10 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% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 58.4 · 79 | 30% | 2.38 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.59 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.6 · 79 | 10% | 0.79 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John Fisher Catholic Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.59 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.8 out of 10 among them, against 8.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football and dance, with trips to Iceland, New York, France, Lourdes, and skiing holidays.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,250 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,383. 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 the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their attainment scores?
What Ofsted said about St John Fisher Catholic Academy
Overview
Pupils value the education at St John Fisher Catholic Academy, where leaders have high expectations and a curriculum designed to achieve the mission of ‘educating for life’. The school provides a broad curriculum and rich extra-curricular opportunities, with sixth-form students leading by example and supporting younger pupils. Overall, pupils leave well equipped for their next steps in education, employment, or training.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully designed, with lessons that build upon prior knowledge and help pupils perform increasingly complex tasks.
- Teachers frequently check understanding, and there is an effective programme to deliver reading support to those who need it.
- Pupils behave considerately and maturely, with bullying tackled directly by staff when reported.
- The sixth form offers a broad curriculum, with students consistently positive about the pastoral and academic support they receive.
- Leaders have improved indoor and outdoor areas to help pupils feel safe, and pastoral staff provide appreciated support.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff are given precise information about the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) so that all pupils achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Leaders must engage more purposefully with parents, particularly those of pupils with SEND, to improve communication and involve them effectively in school life.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders analysing data to spot emerging trends and taking swift action to support pupils when concerns arise.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 57.9 |
| 2024/25 | 55.1 |
| 2025/26 | 52.6 |
| 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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