St Mary's Catholic High School, Leyland Review 2026: Faith & Community

St Mary's Catholic High School sits at the heart of the Leyland community, serving families in this part of Lancashire for nearly 70 years. While the school has expanded significantly since its founding in the 1950s, it retains the distinct feel of a close-knit faith community. This is a voluntary aided school where the Catholic ethos is not merely a label but the operating system of daily life.

With around 830 students aged 11 to 16, it is smaller than many modern secondary comprehensives. This scale allows for a level of personal attention that parents frequently cite as a key strength. The school is consistently oversubscribed, a testament to its strong local reputation for pastoral care and character development. In 2024, demand was exceptionally high, with nearly three applicants for every available place.

The school holds a 'Good' rating from Ofsted following its inspection in June 2025. Inspectors praised the harmonious atmosphere and the respectful relationships between staff and students, noting that pupils "enjoy coming to school because they appreciate being part of a close-knit and friendly community". It is not an academic hothouse; results are broadly in line with national averages rather than topping league tables. Instead, St Mary's positions itself as a school that values the formation of the whole person, prioritising kindness, service, and resilience alongside GCSE grades.

The first thing visitors notice is the motto, Let your light shine, which is visible throughout the campus. It captures the school’s ambition for its students: not just to pass exams, but to contribute positively to the world. The atmosphere in the corridors is generally calm and purposeful. Uniform standards are high, with the distinctive maroon blazers worn with a sense of pride.

Mr Phil Thompson has served as Headteacher for over a decade, providing stable and experienced leadership. Under his guidance, the school has navigated the changing landscape of secondary education while steadfastly protecting its distinct Catholic identity. He is supported by a long-serving staff body, many of whom have spent significant portions of their careers at St Mary's. This continuity fosters a sense of stability; students feel known, and families value the familiar faces at parents' evenings.

Faith life is central here. The school day begins with prayer, and the liturgical year shapes the calendar. Mass is celebrated regularly, and the chaplaincy team is highly active, offering students opportunities for reflection and retreat. However, the school is not insular. It welcomes students of other faiths or none, provided they are willing to respect and participate in the school's ethos. The result is a community that feels grounded and inclusive, where values like forgiveness and solidarity are practiced rather than just preached.

The buildings themselves are a mix of the original mid-century blocks and newer additions. Investment in recent years has improved specialist facilities, particularly in science and technology, though the site retains a traditional school feel rather than the glass-and-steel aesthetic of a new build academy.

St Mary's serves a broad ability range, and its results reflect a commitment to doing the best for every child, regardless of their starting point.

In the 2024 GCSE cycle, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 42.5. This metric, which measures the average grade across eight subjects, sits slightly below the England average of 45.9. Similarly, the Progress 8 score of -0.11 indicates that, on average, students achieve broadly in line with expectations given their primary school results, perhaps one-tenth of a grade lower than similar students nationally across their subjects.

Ranked 2,777th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the 'national lower' band, placing it in the bottom 40% of schools nationally for raw attainment. However, locally it remains a strong contender, ranking 4th among secondary providers in Leyland.

Breaking down the specifics, 8.6% of pupils achieved a Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) suite of subjects, compared to an England average of roughly 17%. The average Ebacc point score was 3.46 (England average 4.08). While these figures suggest that the highly academic Ebacc route is less dominant here than in some schools, it reflects a curriculum designed to offer breadth and vocational options alongside the core academic diet.

It is important to view these statistics in context. St Mary's creates a learning environment where students of all abilities are supported. The 'middle' band of students often thrive here, supported by structured teaching and clear expectations. High achievers are pushed, but the school does not aggressively curate its intake or curriculum solely to maximise league table position.

The curriculum at St Mary's is designed to be broad and balanced, spanning the traditional academic core as well as the arts and technologies.

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students follow a wide-ranging programme that includes Art, Computing, Drama, Technology, and Music alongside the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, RE, History, Geography, and Modern Foreign Languages (typically French or Spanish). This breadth ensures that students have a solid foundation before narrowing their choices for GCSE.

Teaching styles are largely traditional, favouring direct instruction and structured lessons. Teachers have good subject knowledge and plan lessons that build knowledge systematically. Assessment is regular, with parents kept informed through termly reports and tracking data.

A particular strength is the support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Learning Support department is well-resourced and integrated into the life of the school. Teaching assistants are effectively deployed to support learning without creating dependency, ensuring that students with additional needs can access the full curriculum. The 2025 Ofsted inspection highlighted that the school "identifies pupils with SEND accurately" and that these pupils "achieve well".

At Key Stage 4, the options process allows students to tailor their timetable to their strengths. While the core of English, Maths, Science, and RE is compulsory, students can choose from a healthy range of options including Computer Science, Sports Studies, Food Preparation and Nutrition, and Performing Arts.

St Mary's is an 11-16 school, meaning there is no Sixth Form on site. This is a common model in Lancashire, and the school sees it as a strength: Year 11 students are the seniors of the school, taking on leadership roles and responsibilities that might otherwise go to Year 12 or 13 students.

The transition to post-16 education is managed carefully. A dedicated careers advisor works with students from Year 9 onwards to explore pathways. The majority of leavers progress to local colleges. Runshaw College is a particularly popular destination, with many St Mary's students securing places on its A-level and vocational courses. Cardinal Newman College in Preston is another frequent choice, especially for those seeking to continue their education within a Catholic setting.

The school also has a strong track record of students progressing to apprenticeships. The vocational aspects of the curriculum, such as Technology and Food, prepare students well for these practical pathways. By the time they leave in Year 11, students are generally well-prepared for their next steps, equipped with the qualifications and the maturity needed for college life.

Admission to St Mary's is handled by Lancashire County Council, but as a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, the Governing Body is the admissions authority.

Demand for places is exceptionally high. In 2024, the school received 478 applications for a standard intake of around 162 places. This results in a subscription ratio of nearly 3 applicants per place, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in the area. With this level of demand, the school is technically 'Oversubscribed', and the oversubscription criteria are strictly applied.

Priority is given to baptised Catholic children who are looked after (or previously looked after). Following this, priority generally goes to baptised Catholic children living in the designated parishes and attending associated Catholic primary schools. Siblings of current students also receive priority.

Non-Catholic children can and do gain places, but this is contingent on availability after all Catholic applicants have been accommodated. In years of high demand, living close to the school is not enough if the faith criteria take precedence. Families should study the admissions policy carefully and ensure they submit the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) directly to the school alongside the local authority application. The closing date for applications is 31 October each year.

Pastoral care is the bedrock of St Mary's. The school operates a Year Group system, where a Head of Year stays with their cohort as they move up the school. This continuity allows the Head of Year to build deep relationships with students and their families, understanding the specific context and needs of each child.

Form tutors see students every morning, providing a consistent point of contact. The pastoral curriculum (PSHE) covers vital topics such as mental health, relationships, and online safety, taught through a Catholic lens that emphasises dignity and respect.

The school is proactive about mental health. There are dedicated staff trained to support students experiencing emotional difficulties, and the school works closely with external agencies when more specialist help is needed. The 'family' atmosphere means that bullying or social isolation is often spotted quickly. While no school is immune to teenage relationship issues, St Mary's has robust systems in place to address them, centred on restorative justice and reconciliation.

Behaviour is generally good. The school uses a clear system of rewards and sanctions. Expectations are high; politeness, punctuality, and correct uniform are insisted upon. Students report feeling safe and supported, knowing there is always an adult they can turn to.

Life at St Mary's extends well beyond the timetable. The extracurricular programme is designed to let students explore their talents and build friendships outside the classroom.

Sport

Sport is a major pillar of school life. The PE department is active and ambitious, fielding teams in football, netball, rugby, and athletics. The school competes in local and county leagues, often with considerable success. Facilities include a sports hall, gymnasium, and extensive playing fields. Fixtures are played regularly, and there is a genuine culture of participation, encouraging students of all abilities to get involved in house competitions.

The Arts

Creativity flourishes here. The annual school production is a highlight of the calendar, involving huge numbers of students in acting, music, set design, and technical support. The Music department runs several ensembles, including a choir and a band, which perform at school masses and community events. Art and Design Technology clubs allow students to pursue personal projects, using the school's kilns and workshops.

Faith in Action

Reflecting its ethos, the school offers numerous opportunities for service. The Chaplaincy team leads charity fundraising efforts, supporting CAFOD and local food banks. The pilgrimage to Lourdes is a transformative experience for the older students who attend, assisting sick and elderly pilgrims. These activities foster a sense of civic duty and global responsibility.

Trips and Visits

The school runs a healthy schedule of trips. From Geography field trips in the Lake District to History tours of the battlefields in France and Belgium, these excursions bring learning to life. Ski trips and sports tours are also regular features, offering students the chance to travel and bond with their peers.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:05pm. The site is located on Royal Avenue in Leyland, easily accessible by local bus routes. The school coordinates with transport providers to ensure services align with the school day.

Uniform is strictly enforced: a maroon blazer with the school crest, white shirt, school tie, and grey trousers or skirt. It is smart and traditional, contributing to the sense of identity. The school canteen operates a cashless catering system, offering a range of hot and cold food at break and lunch.

Communication with parents is managed through an online app, which provides updates on attendance, behaviour, and homework. The school website is kept up to date with newsletters and key dates.

No Sixth Form. Students must move institutions at 16. While this encourages independence and offers a fresh start for A-levels or vocational courses, it does mean another transition period during the teenage years.

Strict Faith Criteria. Admission is heavily weighted towards Catholic families. For non-Catholic families living nearby, securing a place can be difficult, regardless of proximity. The Supplementary Information Form is essential for those applying under faith criteria.

Traditional Approach. The school values tradition, uniform, and structure. Families looking for a highly progressive, liberal, or non-uniform environment may find the culture too formal.

St Mary's Catholic High School offers a stable, caring, and values-driven education. It is not an exam factory, but a community that focuses on developing well-rounded young people who are polite, resilient, and community-minded. Best suited to families who value the Catholic ethos and want a supportive, smaller secondary environment where their child will be known by name. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular and oversubscribed school.