Mount St Mary's Catholic High School Review 2026: Historic Values, Modern Progress

Perched on the crest of Richmond Hill, Mount St Mary's Catholic High School commands one of the most striking panoramic views of the Leeds skyline. This physical elevation mirrors its aspiration; the school is a historic institution that refuses to be defined solely by its past. Founded in 1853 by the Sisters Oblates of Mary Immaculate to educate the children of Irish immigrants and flax mill workers, it remains true to its mission of serving the diverse families of East Leeds.

Today, "The Mount" is a smaller-than-average secondary school with approximately 940 students. It is defined by a tangible family atmosphere and a distinct sense of moral purpose. While it sits in an area of high deprivation, the school’s performance data tells a story of transformation. With a Progress 8 score of +0.86, students here achieve nearly a full grade higher across their subjects than their peers with similar starting points nationally. It is a school where the "value added" is not just a statistic but a daily reality.

Walking through the site, the juxtaposition of the Victorian red-brick convent architecture with modern learning blocks serves as a visual metaphor for the school's identity. It respects tradition but is not bound by it. The school shares its site with the historic, though now closed, Mount St Mary's Church, lending the campus a sense of gravitas and permanence that few modern academies can match.

Mr Mark Cooper has led the school as Headteacher since 2011. His long tenure has provided a stability that is rare in the sector, allowing a consistent culture to take root. The school's ethos is explicitly Catholic, centred on the motto Quid Retribuam ("What shall I return?"). This is not merely branding; it shapes the behaviour policy and the relationships between staff and students. There is an expectation of service and gratitude that creates a calm, orderly environment.

The student body is visibly diverse, reflecting the multicultural tapestry of Leeds. Over 40 languages are spoken here, and while the Catholic faith is the golden thread, the community is inclusive. Students describe the atmosphere as strict but safe. The "Mount St Mary's Way"—a codified approach to behaviour and learning—ensures that expectations are clear in every classroom and corridor.

The headline figures for Mount St Mary's are impressive, particularly when viewed through the lens of progress rather than just raw attainment.

In the most recent published results (2024), the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.86. This places it in the "Well Above Average" band, a distinction achieved by roughly the top 14% of schools in England. For parents, this is the most critical metric; it means that regardless of a child's ability upon entry, the teaching they receive here accelerates their learning significantly faster than the national norm.

The Attainment 8 score stood at 51.8, which is comfortably above the England average of 45.9. This indicates that students are securing strong passes across their core subjects.

Performance in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is solid, with the average Point Score (APS) at 4.41, compared to the England average of 4.08. While the percentage of students entering the full EBacc suite is lower than some schools (around 20%), those who do enter achieve well. The school prioritises the right curriculum for the child over hitting government entry targets, offering a mix of academic and vocational options that suit its cohort.

Ranked 14th among secondary schools in Leeds for attainment, Mount St Mary's punches well above its weight in terms of pupil progress, outperforming many schools with more affluent intakes.

The approach to teaching at Mount St Mary's is disciplined and consistent. The leadership has implemented a teaching and learning framework that prioritises "Explicit Instruction". Lessons follow a predictable structure: clear retrieval practice to check prior knowledge, teacher exposition, guided practice, and then independent work.

This consistency is particularly beneficial for the school's significant number of students with English as an Additional Language (EAL). By reducing cognitive load and focusing on key vocabulary, teachers ensure all students can access the curriculum.

The curriculum is broad. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students study the full National Curriculum including Art, Drama, Music, and Technology. In Key Stage 4, pathways allow for personalisation. The "Open" bucket of subjects is well-populated with options like Sport Science, Health and Social Care, and Creative iMedia, sitting alongside traditional GCSEs in History and Geography.

One implication of the school's focus on progress is the rigorous intervention programme. "Period 6" sessions for Year 11 are commonplace, and holiday revision classes are well-attended. The culture is one of hard work; students are left in no doubt that success requires effort.

Pastoral care is organised through a horizontal Year System. Each year group is led by a Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Support Officer. This structure means there is always someone available to deal with immediate issues without interrupting lessons.

The Chaplaincy is central to the school's wellbeing offer. It provides a physical sanctuary—a quiet space away from the noise of the playground—and a spiritual one. The Lay Chaplain organises retreat experiences, including residential trips to Myddelton Grange in the Yorkshire Dales, which students often cite as a highlight of their school journey.

For students with more complex needs, The Bridge provides a nurturing environment. This facility supports vulnerable students, those with anxiety, or those returning from long absences, helping them reintegrate into mainstream lessons at their own pace.

Despite its academic focus, the school offers a rich extracurricular diet, leveraging its proximity to Leeds city centre for cultural capital.

Music and Performing Arts are pillars of the school's community life. The Gospel Choir is renowned locally, performing at Diocesan events and school liturgies. The annual school production involves a significant number of students, not just on stage but in lighting, sound, and stage management roles.

Sport is competitive and inclusive. The school fields teams in football, netball, basketball, and athletics. A partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation enhances the rugby provision, offering students access to elite coaching. Facilities include a sports hall, gymnasium, and outdoor pitches, though the hilltop site limits the expanse of playing fields compared to some suburban schools.

Clubs and Societies cater to diverse interests. The Debate Mate team has enjoyed success in regional competitions, fostering oracy and confidence. STEM Club, Chess Club, and the Eco-Committee provide outlets for intellectual curiosity outside the syllabus.

This is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees

However, parents should budget for the following:

• Uniform: The school has a strict uniform policy including a branded blazer and tie. The school works to keep costs reasonable and supports families where possible.
• Trips: Optional residential retreats and curriculum trips (e.g., Geography field trips) may incur costs, though the school utilises the Pupil Premium grant to subsidise these for eligible families.
• Music Lessons: Peripatetic music tuition is available at a subsidised rate.
• Meals: School lunches are charged daily via a cashless system. Families receiving eligible benefits can apply for Free School Meals (FSM), which significantly supports the school's funding.

Admission to Mount St Mary's is highly competitive. In 2024, the school received approximately 635 applications for 180 places, a ratio of more than 3.5 applications per place.

As a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, the Governing Body is the admissions authority. Places are allocated according to a strict hierarchy of criteria:

1. Looked After Children (Catholic and then others).
2. Baptised Catholic children with a sibling at the school.
3. Baptised Catholic children living in the defined areas of specific feeder primary schools (e.g., Christ the King, Holy Family, St Patrick's).
4. Other Baptised Catholic children.
5. Non-Catholic children (with siblings, then others).

Critical Note

Parents must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the local authority Common Preference Form. Failure to submit the SIF and evidence of baptism to the school by the deadline (31st October) will result in the child being placed in a lower category, significantly reducing the chance of a place.

The "last distance offered" varies annually and is heavily dependent on the number of Catholic applicants. In recent years, the school has filled nearly all places with Catholic applicants, meaning the effective catchment for non-Catholic children without siblings can be extremely small or non-existent.

Mount St Mary's is an 11-16 provider, meaning there is no Sixth Form on site. This structural feature ensures that Year 11 students are the undisputed leaders of the school, taking on prefect and leadership roles that might otherwise go to Sixth Formers.

The school has a formal and robust partnership with Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, one of the highest-performing colleges in Leeds. The transition pathway is seamless, with taster days, bridging projects, and interview support. The vast majority of students progress to Notre Dame to study A-levels or Level 3 BTECs.

Other destinations include Leeds City College for vocational specialisms and apprenticeships. The school's careers advice (meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks) ensures that destination data is strong, with NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) figures consistently below the local authority average.

School Hours

The day begins with registration at 8:30am and concludes at 3:00pm. Extracurricular clubs typically run until 4:00pm.

Location

Situated on Ellerby Road (LS9 8LA), the school is easily accessible from Leeds city centre and the surrounding areas of East Leeds.

Transport

Multiple public bus routes serve the Richmond Hill area. The school does not operate its own private bus fleet, so most students travel via public transport or walk from the local vicinity.

Security

The site is secure with controlled access, ensuring student safety in its inner-city location.

Strict Catholic Ethos: The religious character of the school is not optional. All students, regardless of their personal faith, are expected to attend Masses, participate in liturgies, and study Religious Education to GCSE level. Families must be comfortable with this total integration of faith and learning.

No Sixth Form: Families seeking a single institution from age 11 to 18 will not find it here. Students must move at age 16. However, many view this as a positive "rite of passage" into a more adult college environment at Notre Dame.

Competition for Places: Securing a place is difficult. Families who are not Catholic should be realistic about their chances and ensure they have strong backup options on their preference form.

Urban Setting: The inner-city location offers vibrancy and diversity but lacks the sprawling green fields of some outer-suburban schools. Sports facilities are good but space is at a premium.

Mount St Mary's Catholic High School is a beacon of social mobility and academic progress. It refuses to accept that demographics determine destiny, proving year after year that high expectations lead to high standards. It is best suited to families who value a disciplined, faith-centred education and want their child to be pushed to achieve their absolute maximum potential. For those who secure a place, it offers a transformative start to life.