St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy
Ilkley, LS29 6AE · Leeds · secondary school
Check the area around this school
6th of 45 secondary schools in Leeds we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 329 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0/10 among them, against 8.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 71.0 · 91 | 46% | 4.19 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.41 · 80 | 38% | 3.06 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 56.6 · 88 | 15% | 1.35 |
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 Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.41 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 8.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join NerdSoc, Iris Research, Student parliament, Debating Society, Charity Support, and World Challenge. Sports include a Football Scholarship, while arts and music offer Music and Drama Clubs. Trips cover UK and overseas destinations, Bambisanani, and a Year 8 Residential.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,211 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,096. 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 the Football Scholarship?
What Ofsted said about St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
This inspection describes an “exceptional school” where “inclusivity is at the heart” of provision. Pupils achieve outcomes “significantly above national averages” and display “exemplary” conduct, supported by a “highly ambitious curriculum” and strong staff relationships.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “broad and balanced,” with many subjects “exceed[ing] the breadth of the national curriculum.”
- Staff provide “exceptional support” for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, as well as disadvantaged pupils.
- Reading is a priority, with “highly effective” support helping struggling pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
- The sixth form offers a “wide range of options” and prepares students well for top universities, including Oxbridge.
- Personal development is “exceptional,” featuring leadership roles and a partnership with a school in South Africa that offers “life changing experiences.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 56.5 |
| 2024/25 | 55.0 |
| 2025/26 | 56.6 |
| 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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