St Michael's Catholic School
High Wycombe, HP11 1PW · Buckinghamshire · all-through school
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23rd of 36 secondary schools in Buckinghamshire we can score, 37 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 6.3/10 against 890 of them, against 6.3/10 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 | 21 | 35% | 0.73 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 46.2 · 53 | 30% | 1.60 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.33 · 74 | 25% | 1.86 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.7 · 64 | 10% | 0.64 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Michael's Catholic School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.33 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting 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 (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join RE quiz, maths and Science, writing, poetry, culinary, Anime, Manga and Board games, Warhammer, and Jamaican Dance clubs. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 2,414 pupils against a stated capacity of 2,220. 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
Since the Ofsted inspection is recent, what specific improvements have been made in the areas graded lower?
What Ofsted said about St Michael's Catholic School
Overview
St Michael's Catholic School is described as a thriving community where pupils are "motivated to succeed" and feel safe. The report highlights "highly effective" leadership and a "studious, engaged atmosphere," noting that attendance is above average and behaviour is orderly. While achievement is generally strong, particularly in reading and mathematics, the report identifies specific areas for refinement in teaching precision and writing quality.
Strengths
- Attendance is "above average and improving" due to "highly effective approaches" and tailored support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- Behaviour is exemplary, with a "studious, engaged atmosphere" and strict adherence to expectations, such as the ‘gate-to-gate’ mobile phone rule.
- Early years provision is "strong," with staff delivering an "ambitious curriculum" and providing "very effective support" for early reading and phonics.
- Personal development is robust, underpinned by "very strong values and virtues" and a "very well designed" personal, social, health and economic curriculum.
- Leadership is "highly motivated" and "accurate," fostering a culture of professionalism where staff feel respected and pupils are central to decision-making.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must make "consistently precise adaptations" in lessons and address pupil misunderstandings "quickly and effectively."
- The school should increase the "depth and quality of pupils’ writing" and routinely pick up on basic errors to ensure written responses fully reflect understanding.
- Leaders should continue to develop sixth-form teaching so that learning is "consistently enriched and extended."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.3 |
| 2024/25 | 49.1 |
| 2025/26 | 48.7 |
| 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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