Question 1

Is St. Mary's Menston a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St. Mary's received an Outstanding rating in February 2025 from Ofsted across all five judged areas: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Sixth Form Provision. In the current dataset, GCSE Attainment 8 is 55, Progress 8 is +0.41, and 59.9% achieved grade 5+ in English and maths. At A-level, 50% of entries achieved A* to B in 2025.

Question 2

What are the fees at St. Mary's Menston?

Accepted Answer

There are no tuition fees. St. Mary's is a state-funded Catholic Voluntary Academy. Families contribute to uniform, educational visits, and optional music lessons through standard school funding arrangements.

Question 3

How competitive is entry to St. Mary's Menston?

Accepted Answer

Entry is highly competitive. In 2024, the school received 932 applications for 202 places (4.61:1 ratio). Admissions follow Catholic criteria: looked-after children first, then Catholic children with siblings, then Catholic children from designated feeder primary schools (St. Joseph's Otley, Ss Peter and Paul Yeadon, Sacred Heart Ilkley, St. Mary's Horsforth, St. Joseph's Pudsey, St. Stephen's Skipton). Other Catholic applicants and other families follow.

Question 4

What sports and activities does St. Mary's offer?

Accepted Answer

Extensive provision includes Winter and Summer sports (Football, Netball, Cricket, Rounders, Athletics), Drama productions (recent: Legally Blonde, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Romeo and Juliet), Music ensembles (Vocalise Choir, Jazz Band, Resolution Records), Debating Society, NerdSoc (science), Duke of Edinburgh to Gold, Bambisanani Partnership (annual South Africa trip), World Challenge expeditions, and Student Parliament with elected leadership roles.

Question 5

Does St. Mary's have a strong music programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The school has a long tradition of inclusive music provision. Named ensembles include Vocalise Choir (professional direction), Jazz Band, Resolution Records (school record label), and Rock Bands. Students perform at assemblies, masses and whole-school productions. The music department operates YouTube and Instagram channels. Opportunities range from school concerts to professional concert attendance trips.

Question 6

What are the sixth form entry requirements?

Accepted Answer

Sixth form entry typically requires GCSE grade 5 or above (Grade B equivalent) in most subjects, with higher grades in facilitating subjects (mathematics, sciences, languages). Entry is not automatic; both internal and external applicants compete for places. The sixth form offers a broad A-level curriculum, and 50% of 2025 A-level entries were graded A* to B.

Question 7

Does St. Mary's expect Catholic commitment?

Accepted Answer

The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, regular Masses and explicit religious teaching are woven through school life. While the school welcomes students of all faiths and none, those uncomfortable with Catholic practice and theology should consider whether the environment aligns with their family values. The school's mission and pastoral framework are explicitly rooted in Catholic Christian faith.

Question 8

What is the Bambisanani Partnership?

Accepted Answer

Bambisanani ('working hand in hand' in Zulu) is a collaboration between St. Mary's and Mnyakanya High School in South Africa, founded in 2006. Year 12 students travel annually to participate in community projects, leadership training and sports festivals. The partnership has engaged 27,000+ young people across UK and South Africa. It now includes the University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College as partner institutions.

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