All Saints Catholic High School Review 2026: Faith-Led Community in Kirkby

All Saints Catholic High School serves as a significant educational anchor for families in Kirkby, Merseyside. As a large state secondary and sixth form, it accommodates approximately 1,150 students within a modern, purpose-built campus on Roughwood Drive. The school atmosphere is defined by its Catholic identity and a commitment to inclusivity, operating under a Good rating from Ofsted.

While academic performance metrics sit in line with the broader regional context, the school is notably oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity as a first-choice destination for local families. The leadership team, led by Headteacher Mr Tony McGuinness, focuses on balancing academic recovery with strong pastoral support, ensuring students from diverse starting points feel supported throughout their seven-year journey from Year 7 to the sixth form.

The school operates as a cohesive, faith-centred community where the Catholic ethos is woven into the fabric of daily life rather than existing as an optional extra. At the start of the day, the reception area and communal spaces reveal a school that is orderly and purposeful. The architecture is contemporary, featuring light-filled communal areas and specialist wings that support a broad curriculum.

The school is part of a wider network of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, and this connection is evident in the emphasis on service and collective worship. Students and staff share a language of respect and responsibility, often described in official assessments as a nurturing environment where students feel safe and valued. This sense of belonging is a primary driver for the high number of first-preference applications the school receives annually.

Academic performance at All Saints reflects the challenges and ambitions of its Kirkby cohort. In the most recent validated data, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 42.7. The Progress 8 score of -0.36 indicates that while students are making steady gains, there is a focus on narrowing the gap between their starting points and national expectations.

Ranked 3094th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits within the national lower band, which represents performance in the bottom 40% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 29th among secondary schools in the Liverpool area. At the higher end of the EBacc suite, 1.5% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above across the core academic subjects, reflecting a curriculum that prioritises vocational and standard academic pathways for the majority of its students.

Teaching at All Saints is structured around clear expectations and a curriculum designed to be accessible yet challenging. In the lower years, there is a significant focus on literacy and numeracy to provide a firm foundation for GCSE study. The school offers a range of traditional GCSEs alongside BTEC and vocational qualifications, ensuring that students with different learning styles can find a route to success.

Teachers are noted for their commitment to student progress, often providing additional intervention sessions for Year 11 and Year 13 students. The sixth form provision allows for a smoother transition to post-16 study, with a curriculum that includes A-levels and technical qualifications tailored to local employment and further education opportunities.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied, with a strong emphasis on sport and the creative arts. The PE department makes full use of the school's extensive outdoor facilities and large sports hall, offering competitive fixtures in football, netball, and athletics.

A defining feature of the "Beyond the Classroom" offering is the range of student-led initiatives and faith-based groups. The GIFT Team (Growing in Faith Together) allows students to take a leadership role in the spiritual life of the school, while the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is an active part of the enrichment programme. STEM excellence is encouraged through specific coding clubs and science discovery sessions held in the school's modern laboratories.

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the school, anchored by the Catholic principle of the dignity of the individual. Each year group has a dedicated head of year and a pastoral support officer, providing a tiered system of care that addresses both academic and emotional needs.

External reviews confirm that safeguarding is effective and that the school has robust systems for identifying and supporting vulnerable students. The chaplaincy provides a unique layer of support, offering a space for reflection and guidance that is available to students of all faiths and none. Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and sanctions that students describe as fair and consistent.

Where Students Go Next

The 2024 leaver data reveals a diverse range of pathways for students departing the sixth form. Approximately 28% of students progressed to university, while 15% secured apprenticeships, reflecting the school's success in preparing students for the world of work. A notable 35% of leavers entered direct employment, one of the higher figures in the region, indicating strong links with local businesses and a practical approach to career guidance.

For those pursuing higher education, students often secure places at Liverpool John Moores University, Edge Hill University, and the University of Liverpool. The school provides dedicated support for UCAS applications and apprenticeship interviews through its careers coordinator.

All Saints is a highly sought-after school in Knowsley. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was significantly oversubscribed, receiving 397 applications for its 208 available places. This represents a subscription proportion of 1.91, meaning nearly two families applied for every available seat.

As a voluntary aided Catholic school, the governors are the admissions authority. Priority is given to baptised Catholic children from named feeder parishes, followed by other Catholic children and those from other faith backgrounds. Parents must complete the Local Authority Common Application Form and are strongly advised to complete the school's Supplementary Information Form to ensure their faith status is correctly recorded.

The school day typically begins at 8:50 am and concludes at 3:05 pm. Travel to the site is facilitated by several local bus routes serving Kirkby and the surrounding Knowsley area. Parking for visitors is available on-site, though drop-off times can be busy due to the school's location near Roughwood Drive. The school runs a homework facility in the library from 7:45 am to 8:45 am and from 3:05 pm to 4:45 pm, providing a free breakfast and refreshments for pupils who access it.

• Oversubscribed status: With nearly two applications for every place, securing a spot for a child who is not from a Catholic background or a feeder parish can be challenging.
• Academic trajectory: While the atmosphere is positive, GCSE results currently sit below the England average. Families focused purely on league table positions may wish to compare the Progress 8 data with other local providers.
• Faith commitment: The school's Catholic identity is pervasive. Daily collective worship and religious education are mandatory components of the school experience.
• Vocational focus: The sixth form has a strong track record of moving students into employment and apprenticeships, which may suit those looking for a practical rather than purely academic post-16 route.

All Saints Catholic High School is a community-focused institution that successfully blends traditional faith values with a modern educational environment. It is a school where pastoral care and student safety are prioritised, making it an excellent choice for families who value a supportive and disciplined atmosphere. It best suits students who thrive in a faith-led community and those looking for a school with strong local ties and diverse post-16 pathways.