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St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
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St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
- Secondary
- Chesterfield S41 8AG
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Ofsted report
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| The quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth-form provision | Outstanding |
| Previous inspection grade | Outstanding |
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This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Pupils attend and achieve remarkably well in all subjects.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils’ conduct and attitudes are exceptional.
Qualifications and Training: Pupils benefit from being taught by specialist staff.
Current Educational Practices: High-quality teaching stimulates interest and engagement.
Strengths and Challenges: Staff value robust professional learning and development.
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents feel lucky to send their children here.
Communication: Warm and trusting relationships with high expectations.
Parent Satisfaction: Parents overwhelmingly positive about the school.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders have a precise understanding of strengths and priorities.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Governors effectively hold leaders to account.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Strong and inclusive ethos of care.
Extracurricular Offerings: Extensive range of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities.
Career Counselling Services: Expert guidance provided for higher education and non-university pathways.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Well-prepared for early adulthood through the 'Inauro' programme.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Uncompromising commitment to supporting pupils with SEND.
Subjects Offered: Broad and ambitious curriculum, including drama, citizenship, and three modern foreign languages.
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About Us
St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy is a top rated, Secondary, Co-Ed, Roman Catholic school located in Derbyshire, East Midlands.
It has 1347 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 16 : 1.
At this school, 67% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
98.10% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Outstanding by recent Ofsted inspection.
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St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
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The Hallam Diocese and Chesterfield both have a great history with the Roman Catholic high school St. Mary's. We uphold the principles that Jesus outlined in the Gospel as a school community—principles like humility, tolerance, and unwavering love for others. We shall "Live, Love, and Learn in the Light of Christ," according to our mission statement, which guides everything we do. This means that as a school, we make an effort to provide students and staff with opportunities to embody Jesus' and the Catholic Church's teachings and serve as witnesses to our common faith. Alongside this, all members of our community are encouraged to embrace the unconditional love that Jesus speaks of in the Gospels; we are asked to be Good Samaritans to all those we come across, sharing our gifts and talents to help those in need and to be examples of forgiveness. Our school is a place for academic study, but it is also a setting where everyone can pursue their own spiritual growth and have access to all the tools they need to pursue their unique calling. Siobhan Garth, our lay chaplaincy coordinator, works with staff members and students in all Key Stages to advance both the school's and the students' spiritual and prayer lives. Siobhan works full-time and can be found in the chapel's vicinity at her office. Siobhan is available for meetings with students and staff to talk about whatever they think she might be able to help with, including mourning, prayer, friendship concerns, etc. Siobhan oversees two chaplaincy groups—one in KS3 and one in KS5—and helps students get ready for Form Masses, which are held every other week during Friday lunch in the school. Siobhan designs and manages some of the retreats we have in KS3 and KS5.
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Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| Snobe grade |
A-
|
B-
|
B-
|
| Ofset report | Outstanding | Good | Good |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-18 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 16 | - | 17.9 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 67% | 98% | 56% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 23.20% | 35.00% | 8.20% |
| 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 | 0.36 | 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 | 57.3 | 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 | 67% | 28.94% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 83% | 43.48% | 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 | 50% | 19.88% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 39% | 8.69% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 45% | 12.8% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 5.24 | 2.67 | 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 | 98% | 89.54% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 201 | 140 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 92% | 80.63% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 23% | 36.22% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 64% | 27.54% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 6.26% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 10.74% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 4.89% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 4.07% | 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 | 0.27 | 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 | 60.2 | 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 | 70% | 31.72% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 84% | 44.28% | 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 | 47% | 18.74% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 40% | 10.52% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 45% | 13.98% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 5.5 | 2.76 | 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 | 98% | 85.82% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 198 | 131 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 95% | 79.75% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 18% | 36.82% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 75% | 26.93% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 1% | 7.61% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 8.39% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 2% | 3.09% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 1% | 3% | 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 | 0.31 | 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 | 54.6 | 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 | 57% 7 | 29.63% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 80% 1 | 44.55% | 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 | 33% | 22.25% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 24% 3 | 10.79% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 30% 2 | 15.23% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.74 | 2.77 | 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 | 97% | 83.69% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 195 | 126 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 90% | 73.69% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 28% | 34.63% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 62% | 27.29% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 8.91% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 2.83% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 5% | 6.43% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 3.63% | 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 | 0.27 | 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 | 56.2 | 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 | 64% 5 | 28.71% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 81% | 42.79% | 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 | 36% | 20.5% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 27% 1 | 8.58% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 32% 4 | 12.65% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.93 | 2.66 | 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 | 97% | 90.43% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 194 | 151 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 94% | 77.43% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 30% | 39.25% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 62% | 31.21% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 6.11% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 1.21% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 2% | 5.57% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 3.21% | 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 | 0.28 | 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 | 54.6 | 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 | 59% | 29.51% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 81% | 44.71% | 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 | 33% | 21.17% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 28% | 13.56% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 28% | 14.71% | 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 | 96% | 87.79% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 194 | 160 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | - | 76% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | - | 42.83% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 66% | 33.13% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 4.63% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | 0% | 0.21% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 5% | 8.96% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 3.79% | 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 | 36.55 | 29.75 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 36.73 | 29.9 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 23.20% | 11.9% | 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 | 136 | 131 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 76% | 57.68% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 8.5% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 11% | 24.05% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 5% | 6.68% | 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 | 38.34 | 33.03 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | B | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 37.95 | 31.29 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 19.9% | 15.29% | 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 | 145 | 156 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 82% | 58.23% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 7.45% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 7% | 18.77% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 3% | 7.91% | 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 | 34.25 3 | 29.98 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 34.61 3 | 29.45 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 18.0% | 10.62% | 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 | 138 | 226 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 82% | 57.69% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 2% | 13.5% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 8% | 18.75% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 5% | 6.44% | 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 | 37.27 2 | 29.21 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 37.93 1 | 29.52 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 25.0% | 13.1% | 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 | - | 1 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 18 | 29.33% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 2% | 7.4% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 14% | 16.07% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 6% | 3.33% | 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 | 35.84 | 28.52 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 36.54 | 30.8 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 20.9% | 13.19% | 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 | - | 2 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 15 | 33.14% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 10.29% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 10% | 19.57% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 3.93% | 4.23% |
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Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd 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 | 25th Jul 2025 - 3rd 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 | 4th 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 - 24th Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
16 : 1
Student teacher ratio at St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
Local authority ratio 18 : 1
