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St Benedict's Catholic High School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
St Benedict's Catholic High School
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St Benedict's Catholic High School
- Secondary
- Whitehaven CA28 8UG
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Ofsted report
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| Previous inspection | Requires Improvement |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth-form provision | Good |
| Achievement of pupils | Good |
| Quality of teaching | Good |
| Behaviour and safety of pupils | Good |
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Academic Progress: Attainment at GCSE has risen significantly to above average.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Students’ good behaviour ensures lessons run smoothly and they learn well.
Qualifications and Training: Staff receive good quality professional development and career enhancement.
Current Educational Practices: Teachers know their subjects well and do their best to help students.
Strengths and Challenges: Teaching is mostly good but some teaching doesn't challenge the most able.
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents are engaged regularly and kept well informed.
Communication: Parents are pleased with the school and the clear communication.
Parent Satisfaction: Parents commented on the school’s welcoming atmosphere and their children's happiness.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders have high expectations and manage performance effectively.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Outstanding leadership has tackled inadequacies, moving the school from special measures to good.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Procedures to keep students safe are outstanding.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Support for personal development is excellent in this nurturing environment.
Extracurricular Offerings: Students are keen to extend their work and take on more leadership roles.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Limited non-qualification activities to broaden students' experiences.
Career Counselling Services: Good careers guidance ensures virtually all students move successfully into further education or employment.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Students are very well advised and supported as they move into the sixth form.
Managing and Supporting SEND: There is good support for students with special educational needs, but some variability in classroom support.
Subjects Offered: Students make particularly good progress in English, mathematics, languages, performing arts, art and design, and history.
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About Us
St Benedict's Catholic High School is a top rated, Secondary, Co-Ed, Roman Catholic school located in Cumbria, North West.
It has 1039 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 19 : 1.
At this school, 37% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
98.50% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
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St Benedict's Catholic High School
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From the St Benedict's Catholic High School
Welcome to the St Benedict's Catholic High School website. St Benedict's is a happy, thriving, over-subscribed school serving the Parishes of St Begh's and St Benedict's Whitehaven, St Joseph' Frizington, St Mary's Kells, St Mary's Egremont and St Mary's Cleator. In January 2019, the school co-located with Mayfield Special School to Campus Whitehaven, a 33m investment in the local area. I attended St Benedict's Catholic High School as a pupil and chose to send my children here. I am now extremely proud and honoured to be the Headteacher. As a Catholic School, Christ is at the centre of everything we do. Our values, including honesty, integrity, justice, charity, dignity and compassion are rooted in our Catholic faith. We also recognise that our pupils need to develop resilience, responsibility, flexibility, and a willingness to operate as part of a team. We pride ourselves on making a big difference to young people's lives. Everything we do, we do with our pupils at the heart of it. Our mission is simple; to ensure that every one of our pupils leaves us equipped with the necessary skills, qualifications and mind-set to take the next steps in leading a deeply rewarding life. We endeavour to nurture the caring, trusting and positive relationships between pupils, staff, parents and carers and we make a promise to all pupils that they will be safe and happy here. We welcome visitors at any time, but an appointment helps to ensure your
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| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Local Authority Maintained Schools | Local Authority Maintained Schools |
| Snobe grade |
B-
|
B
|
| Ofset report | Good | Good |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 19.7 | - |
| Proficient Math | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 37% | 63% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 9.30% | 11.60% |
| Day Fees | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.26 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 44.4 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 37% | 24.15% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 65% | 41.41% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 20% | 24.04% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 11% | 7.48% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 14% | 10.93% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.78 | 2.69 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 85.18% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 185 | 121 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 78% | 71.27% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 34% | 32.36% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 43% | 33.86% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 0% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 4.82% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 10% | 7.82% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 6% | 6.09% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.34 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 47 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 40% | 29.44% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 67% | 46.11% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 26% | 22.67% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 9% | 9.26% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 19% | 13.81% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.03 | 2.85 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 94.1% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 170 | 130 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 87% | 84.67% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 40% | 37.14% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 46% | 37.24% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 0% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 10.1% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 6% | 6.29% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 1% | 3.38% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.14 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 44 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 32% 6 | 24.46% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 54% 8 | 41.75% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 20% | 20.96% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 8% 1 | 7.38% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 12% 1 | 11.63% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.6 | 2.75 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 96% | 94.26% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 155 | 127 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 83% | 78.63% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 41% | 32.16% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 43% | 36.26% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 0.05% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 0% | 10.32% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 10% | 10.32% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 5.26% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.26 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 44.6 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 38% 5 | 29.45% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 62% 8 | 47.77% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 21% | 27.86% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 7% 1 | 9.64% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 13% 5 | 15.09% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.74 | 3.11 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 94% | 89.11% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 144 | 134 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 83% | 73.83% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 41% | 36.44% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 42% | 36.67% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 0% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | 0% | 0.33% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 10% | 10.5% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 4.44% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.41 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 41.8 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 33% | 30.32% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 54% | 48.64% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 15% | 26.59% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 6% | 11.77% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 8% | 13.27% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 92.94% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 222 | 141 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 94% | 80% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 44% | 38.31% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 48% | 40.25% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 0% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 6.44% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 19% | 13.38% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 6.69% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 24.7 | 25.75 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | D+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 26.82 | 26.42 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 9.30% | 12.17% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 83 | 79 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 48% | 45.75% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 27% | 17.94% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 14% | 19.81% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 10% | 6.88% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 33.66 | 29.03 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 36 | 28.03 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 13.3% | 13.95% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 70 | 91 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 31% | 50.44% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 34% | 12.63% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 16% | 18.13% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 14% | 9.69% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 25.88 2 | 28.01 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | C- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 29.76 | 29.29 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 14.3% | 13.56% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 83 | 112 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 58% | 47.33% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 30% | 23.07% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 4% | 19.4% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 5% | 7.13% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 27.74 | 26.53 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | C- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 29.87 4 | 28.54 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 11.5% | 10.35% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 0 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 4 | 14.33% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 14% | 13.93% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 5% | 16.53% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 11% | 4.2% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 27.83 | 24.73 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | C- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 33.44 | 28.66 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 9.8% | 15.18% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 0 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 8 | 16.92% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 25% | 13.69% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 14% | 20.92% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 4.08% | 4.23% |
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Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 6th Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 21st Jul 2025 - 2nd Sep 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 4th Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 7th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 20th Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
19 : 1
Student teacher ratio at St Benedict's Catholic High School
Local authority ratio 17 : 1
