St John Fisher Catholic Academy Review 2026: Faith & Ambition

St John Fisher Catholic Academy sits in the leafy Hookstone area of Harrogate, serving as the premier Catholic secondary provider for a wide swathe of North Yorkshire. Part of The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust, the school combines the pastoral warmth of a faith community with academic metrics that place it comfortably among the strongest state schools in the North of England.

With approximately 1,400 students on roll, the school feels significant but purposeful. Its standout feature is the unique "Associated Sixth Form" partnership with neighbouring St Aidan’s, the local Church of England high school. Together, they form one of the largest and most successful sixth forms in the country, granting students access to facilities and subject choices that standalone schools simply cannot match.

The leadership of Mr Steve Mort, who took the helm in 2019, has cemented the school’s reputation for academic rigour and disciplined values. The atmosphere is traditional: uniform standards are strictly enforced, "please" and "thank you" are expected currency, and spiritual life is woven into the timetable rather than bolted on.

For parents, the headline draw is often the progress data. With a Progress 8 score of +0.59 in 2024, students here achieve over half a grade higher in every subject than they would expect to achieve elsewhere. This is not a "hothouse" in the pejorative sense, but it is certainly a place where coasting is not an option.

The first thing visitors notice is the visual identity of the faith. Crucifixes in classrooms, displays focused on the virtues, and the presence of the Chapel as the spiritual heart of the site all signal that this is a Catholic school first and foremost. However, the atmosphere is welcoming rather than austere. Students move through the corridors with a sense of ownership and calm, a testament to a behaviour policy that relies as much on mutual respect as it does on sanctions.

Unlike many schools that operate a vertical house system, St John Fisher focuses its pastoral identity around Year Groups and "Form Saints". Each form class adopts a patron saint, creating a micro-community where students explore values and service. This structure ensures that even in a school of this size, no student becomes a number.

Culturally, there is a strong emphasis on service. The school motto, Educating for Life, is interpreted broadly. Students are encouraged to look outwards, with extensive charity fundraising and community links. The "Fisher" identity is strong; alumni often speak of the values instilled here long after they have left.

The student body is mixed and increasingly diverse for Harrogate, reflecting the wide catchment area of the Catholic parishes it serves. While the majority are Catholic, the school welcomes those of other faiths and none who are willing to support its ethos. This creates a respectful, pluralistic environment where questions of faith and morality are debated openly.

St John Fisher Catholic Academy consistently delivers academic outcomes that envy many selective schools. The 2024 results confirm its status as a high-performing institution, particularly in terms of the value added to student progress.

In the secondary phase, the school’s Progress 8 score of +0.59 is the standout metric. This indicates that students make significantly above-average progress from their primary school starting points. In plain English, a student predicted a Grade 5 in Mathematics based on their Key Stage 2 results is likely to achieve a Grade 6 here. This progress places the school in the top tier of non-selective schools in the region.

Attainment is equally robust. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 57.9 in 2024, significantly above the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 1,126th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 5th locally in Harrogate, a competitive area known for its high-performing schools. Performance sits in the national strong tier, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a core part of the curriculum offer. In 2024, 12.1% of pupils achieved a Grade 5 or above in the full EBacc suite, while the average EBacc point score was 4.93, well ahead of the England average of 4.08.

At A-level, the standard remains high. The 2024 cohort achieved 59% A*-B grades, markedly higher than the England average of 47.2%. The proportion of top grades is healthy, with 11% achieving A* and a further 21% securing A grades. The school ranks 648th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd in Harrogate.

The curriculum is traditional and academic, designed to keep doors open for competitive universities. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) remains broad, avoiding the trend of narrowing the curriculum too early. Students study the full range of National Curriculum subjects, with discrete sciences and significant time allocated to Humanities and Modern Foreign Languages.

Teaching is characterised by strong subject knowledge and clear routines. Lessons typically begin with a "Do It Now" task to settle students. In core subjects like English and Mathematics, setting is used to tailor support and challenge, while mixed-ability grouping is common in creative subjects.

Religious Education is a core subject for all students up to GCSE. Far from being a "soft" option, the RE department is often one of the highest performing in the school, demanding high levels of literacy and critical thinking.

The standout feature is the St Aidan’s and St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form. Created in 1973, this unique partnership allows students to benefit from the resources and expertise of two high-performing schools.

Students can choose from over 50 A-level and applied courses, a breadth of choice that single institutions rarely match. They move between the two sites (a short walk apart) depending on their timetable. This "campus" feel is excellent preparation for university life, fostering independence and maturity. The Sixth Form attracts students from across the region, making it a vibrant and diverse community of over 1,000 learners.

The school has a strong track record of propelling students into higher education. In 2024, 52% of leavers progressed to university, a figure that reflects the academic focus of the Sixth Form. A further 29% moved directly into employment, often via high-quality degree apprenticeships.

The pathway to elite universities is well-trodden. In the most recent cycle, 10 students submitted applications to Oxford or Cambridge, with one student securing a place. While raw numbers fluctuate, the dedicated "Oxbridge" support programme includes mock interviews and entrance test preparation.

Russell Group universities such as Leeds, Newcastle, Durham, and York are common destinations. The careers advice programme begins in earnest in Year 10, ensuring students make informed choices about their post-16 pathways.

Admission to St John Fisher Catholic Academy is highly competitive. As the only Catholic secondary school in the immediate area, it is a magnet for families seeking a faith-based education.

In 2024, the school received 593 applications for just 190 places in Year 7. This translates to a subscription ratio of over 3 applications for every place, making it "Oversubscribed" by a significant margin. Families should be under no illusion; living nearby is rarely sufficient to secure a place if you do not meet the faith criteria.

The admissions policy operates under a strict hierarchy. Top priority is given to Catholic "Looked After" children, followed by baptised Catholic children who attend feeder primary schools (such as St Robert’s, St Joseph’s, and St Mary’s) and live within designated parishes.

For non-Catholic families, securing a place is challenging and depends entirely on the number of Catholic applicants. Families applying under faith criteria must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and provide evidence of baptism. It is essential to read the admissions policy on the school website in detail.

Pastoral care is one of the school's defining strengths, underpinned by the belief that every child is created in the image of God. The form tutor is the first point of contact, seeing students daily and monitoring their wellbeing.

The Year Leader system provides an additional layer of support, dealing with more serious behavioural or pastoral issues. The school also employs non-teaching pastoral support officers who are available throughout the day.

Safeguarding is robust. The school creates a culture where students feel safe to report concerns. The "Fisher Family" ethos means that older students often mentor younger ones, and bullying is dealt with swiftly using restorative approaches where possible.

Extracurricular life is vibrant, with a reputation for excellence in the Performing Arts. The school holds Specialist Arts Status, and the dedicated Keelan Centre links the main school to the sports hall, providing a hub for creativity. The annual school production is a major event, often involving over 100 students.

Music is central to the school's identity. The Senior Choir and Orchestra perform regularly at liturgies and concerts. For students with a passion for music, opportunities range from the formal Carol Service to the Battle of the Bands.

Sport is another pillar. The school fields competitive teams in football, netball, rugby, and athletics, achieving success at district and county levels. The sports facilities support a broad PE curriculum and a busy fixtures list.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. The site is located on Hookstone Drive, south of Harrogate town centre. It is well-served by school buses bringing students from the wider catchment, including Knaresborough and Wetherby.

Communication is managed through the MyChildAtSchool app. The school operates a cashless catering system. Uniform requirements are strict; blazers must be worn, and skirts must be of an appropriate length.

Faith commitment is expected. This is a Catholic school in DNA, not just name. All students are expected to attend Mass, participate in liturgies, and study Religious Education. Families uncomfortable with this should look elsewhere.

Entry is fierce. With over three applications for every place, this is one of the most oversubscribed schools in North Yorkshire. Families who do not meet the top faith criteria should be realistic about their chances.

Strict discipline. The school prides itself on high standards of behaviour and uniform. The approach is traditional and firm. This structure suits most children well but requires full parental backing.

Large site. With 1,400 students, the school can feel busy. However, the pastoral structures ensure the scale does not overwhelm the individual.

St John Fisher Catholic Academy offers a compelling package; academic results that rival the best in the region, a rich extracurricular menu, and a grounding in values that goes beyond the exam syllabus. The unique Associated Sixth Form adds a dimension of opportunity few other schools can match. Best suited to families who value a traditional, disciplined education within a supportive faith community. The main challenge is securing a place.