St Edward's College Review 2026: Liverpool's Cathedral School

Uniquely positioned as the only state-funded cathedral choir school in the country, St Edward's College occupies a distinct niche in Liverpool's educational landscape. Located in Sandfield Park, West Derby, the school serves as the choir school for the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. While its history is rooted in the tuition-paying independent sector, it is now a Catholic academy, offering an education steeped in musical and academic tradition without the fees.

The College retains the feel of a traditional grammar school, driven by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice and its history with the Christian Brothers. The motto, Viriliter Age (Act Courageously), is woven into the fabric of daily life. The 30-acre campus provides a sense of space rare for a city school, encompassing rugby pitches, a swimming pool, and dedicated music wings.

Mr Lee Fabia was appointed Principal in September 2024, leading the school through a fresh chapter following a period of change. His leadership has been quickly validated by external observers, with inspectors noting that the school's high expectations have helped pupils feel happier and safer. The atmosphere is purposeful and disciplined; this is not a casual environment. Uniform standards are strictly enforced, and the 'St Edward's way' involves a high degree of courtesy and formal conduct.

Music is the heartbeat of the institution. As the choir school for the Metropolitan Cathedral, the sound of practice is constant. Choristers rehearse daily, and the presence of elite musicianship lifts the aspirations of the entire student body, not just those in the choir.

Academic performance is solid, placing the school comfortably in the top 30% of schools in England.

In the most recent GCSE examinations, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 49.4, exceeding the England average of 45.9. Ranked 1,285th in England and 11th in Liverpool for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), results reflect solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

At A-level, the picture is similar. St Edward's ranks 15th in Liverpool, with 49% of grades awarded at A*-B. This sits slightly above the England average of 47%. While not a "hot house", the academic ceiling is high for motivated students.

The curriculum is broad and traditional. All students study a core of English, Mathematics, Religious Education, and Science, with strong uptake in Humanities and Languages. The teaching style tends towards the formal, with a clear focus on subject mastery.

The recent Ofsted inspection in December 2024, which rated the school Good, highlighted that leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, particularly in the Sixth Form where class sizes are smaller and discussion is more seminar-based. The report noted that pupils build a secure base of knowledge in Key Stage 3, enabling them to move successfully onto demanding Sixth Form courses.

The school has a strong tradition of sending students to university. In 2024, 63% of leavers progressed to higher education.

The pipeline to elite institutions is active. In 2024, 20 students applied to Oxbridge, with 6 receiving offers and 5 securing places. This success rate suggests that for the most able students, the pathway to Oxford and Cambridge is well-trodden. Apprenticeships are also gaining traction, with 5% of the cohort choosing this route, while 13% entered employment directly.

Entry to St Edward's is fiercely competitive. In 2024, the school received 989 applications for just 167 places. With nearly six applicants for every seat, it is one of the most oversubscribed schools in the city.

There are two main routes into Year 7:

1. Music Places: A proportion of places are allocated based on musical aptitude. Applicants sit a music test (typically in early Autumn) involving listening, pitch, and melody exercises. You do not need to be a Catholic to apply for a music place.
2. Faith Places: The remaining places are allocated based on Catholic practice, with priority given to looked-after children and baptised Catholic children living in designated parishes. A Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is mandatory.

Families should check the specific parish boundaries carefully, as living near the school does not guarantee a place under the faith criteria.

The pastoral system is organised by year group, with Form Tutors serving as the first point of contact. The Catholic ethos underpins the care structure; the school views each student as a unique individual.

The Ofsted report from December 2024 noted that pupil behaviour is improving rapidly, with most pupils behaving well and acting respectfully. The school has raised its expectations of conduct, contributing to a positive atmosphere. Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is well-regarded, with inspectors confirming that pupils with SEND are well supported to access the full curriculum.

Extracurricular life is dominated by two pillars: Music and Sport.

Music

This is the school's defining feature. Beyond the Cathedral Choir (boy and girl choristers), the Music Department runs multiple orchestras, jazz bands, and choral ensembles. The facilities are exceptional for a state school, including a recital hall and specialist practice rooms.

Sport

Rugby is the major winter sport for boys, played competitively on the school's extensive onsite pitches. Athletics, swimming (in the onsite pool), and netball are also strong. The school competes regularly against local independent schools, maintaining a strong fixture list.

Other clubs include the Edmund Rice Society (charity and social justice), debating, and Duke of Edinburgh, which sees high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. The school is well-served by public transport, with many students travelling from across Liverpool and Knowsley via bus routes stopping on Queens Drive. There is no boarding provision; St Edward's is strictly a day school.

• Intense Competition: With nearly 1,000 applications for fewer than 170 places, disappointment is common. Families relying on the faith criterion must provide robust evidence of practice.
• Musical Commitment: For those entering on a music place, the expectation is real. It involves practice, rehearsals, and performance. Students who enjoy music as a casual hobby may find the intensity surprising.
• Traditional Ethos: This is a school that values tradition, uniform, and hierarchy. It suits children who thrive in structured, orderly environments rather than those seeking a highly liberal or progressive atmosphere.

St Edward's College offers a distinct proposition: the culture, facilities, and musical opportunities of an independent school, accessible without fees. It combines solid academic results with a genuine Catholic ethos. Best suited to musical children or Catholic families seeking a traditional, disciplined education with high aspirations. The main challenge is securing a place.