St Michael's Church of England High School
Chorley, PR7 1RS · Lancashire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
13th of 82 secondary schools in Lancashire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 140 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 9.0/10 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 | 73.2 · 92 | 30% | 2.76 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.56 · 86 | 25% | 2.16 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 60.6 · 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 Michael's Church of England High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 58.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.56 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3 out of 10 among them, against 9.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze and Silver), participate in Dance and Mixercise, study Art, Design & Technology, and Food and Nutrition, and go on expeditions.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,134 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,125. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups organised for different year levels?
What Ofsted said about St Michael's Church of England High School
Overview
This inspection found a school where pupils are "proud to be part of this welcoming and supportive school community" and "enjoy coming to school because it is a happy place." Leaders and staff are "dedicated in their commitment to ensure that pupils flourish," resulting in high expectations that pupils respond to positively. The report highlights that pupils "achieve well across a range of subjects," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils’ behaviour is described as "impeccable," with students being "respectful and courteous towards each other and staff."
- The school offers an "exceptional, expertly designed programme of personal development" that includes a "unique enrichment programme" and diverse extra-curricular activities.
- Leaders have ensured a "strong culture of reading," providing timely support that helps pupils access the curriculum "confidently."
- Staff possess "strong knowledge of the subjects that they teach" and typically select activities that help pupils understand new learning.
- Pupils are "well prepared for their next steps," benefiting from "regular, well-thought-out careers information, education, advice and guidance."
Areas to improve
- In a minority of subjects, leaders should review curriculum organisation to ensure pupils cover the "breadth of essential knowledge" and learn it securely.
- In a small number of subjects, leaders must ensure teachers use assessment strategies effectively to check that pupils’ knowledge is secure before introducing new learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that leaders ensure a "strong culture of safeguarding" and that staff are "vigilant" in spotting signs of risk.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 59.7 |
| 2024/25 | 58.9 |
| 2025/26 | 60.6 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of PR7 1RS, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT