St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
Chesterfield, S41 8AG · Derbyshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 45 secondary schools in Derbyshire 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 — 9.1/10 against 886 of them, against 8.7/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 66.3 · 88 | 30% | 2.63 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.5 · 84 | 25% | 2.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 60.3 · 92 | 10% | 0.92 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 59.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.5 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in July 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in School Parliament and perform in Beauty and The Beast.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,400 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,260. 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 support is available for pupils aiming to exceed the national median in Attainment 8? How does the recent Outstanding inspection influence current teaching strategies?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
St Mary’s Catholic High School is described as a place where pupils “thrive at school both academically and socially.” The report highlights “exceptional” conduct and attitudes, underpinned by “warm and trusting relationships” and a “strong and inclusive ethos of care.” Leaders demonstrate an “unwavering commitment to nurturing a strong culture of collaboration that puts pupils’ interests first.”
Strengths
- Pupils receive “consistently high-quality teaching that stimulates their interest and engagement in all subjects.”
- The curriculum is “exceptionally well organised,” with teachers having “complete clarity about what is taught and when.”
- The innovative ‘Inauro’ scheme ensures pupils feel “safe and well prepared for life in modern society.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well supported,” with staff going “above and beyond” to help them.
- Sixth-form students act as “exceptionally positive role models” and are “very well prepared for early adulthood.”
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 | 56.6 |
| 2024/25 | 59.4 |
| 2025/26 | 60.3 |
| 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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