The Catholic High School, Chester
Chester, CH4 7HS · Cheshire West and Chester · secondary school
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13th of 20 secondary schools in Cheshire West and Chester we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 910 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.7/10 among them, against 3.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 16 | 35% | 0.55 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 36.2 · 28 | 30% | 0.84 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.08 · 44 | 25% | 1.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.1 · 40 | 10% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Catholic High School, Chester overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.5% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.08 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 797 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,117. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8? How does the new Ofsted framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about The Catholic High School, Chester
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils thrive in a "warm, friendly and inclusive" environment, achieving an "Expected standard" across all inspection categories. Leaders have established an "ambitious curriculum" and foster strong community partnerships, resulting in pupils who are well-prepared for their next steps in education or employment.
Strengths
- Pupils develop "strong foundations in literacy" and gain appropriate knowledge and skills across the curriculum.
- Staff build "warm relationships" with pupils, creating a "calm and orderly atmosphere" where bullying is rare.
- The school’s inclusion strategy is effective, with a "specially resourced provision" that is "highly valued" by pupils with special educational needs.
- Leaders cultivate "positive partnerships" with parents and the local community, enriching pupils' experiences.
- Staff feel "genuinely valued" and benefit from professional learning opportunities that deepen subject knowledge.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should strengthen the consistency of teaching to ensure the intended curriculum is delivered consistently well.
- Learning needs to be adapted more precisely to meet the specific needs of some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Leaders should continue to improve the attendance of disadvantaged pupils.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.3 |
| 2024/25 | 46.7 |
| 2025/26 | 44.1 |
| 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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