The Becket School Review 2026: Faith, Community and Competition

Sitting on the banks of the River Trent in a purpose-built campus opened in 2011, The Becket School is a Catholic academy with a reputation that extends well beyond its West Bridgford postcode. It is part of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. Demand is intense; with over four applications for every Year 7 place, it is one of the most oversubscribed state schools in Nottinghamshire. The culture is built firmly on "The Becket Way", a set of values that intertwines academic ambition with explicit Catholic character.

The campus feels modern and orderly. The £24 million building, occupied since 2011, was designed to support a specific ethos of community. Wide corridors and glass-walled classrooms create a sense of transparency, while the Chapel sits literally and metaphorically at the heart of the school.

Mr Paul Greig has led the school since September 2020. His leadership maintains a delicate balance; the school is unashamedly traditional in its expectations of behaviour and uniform, yet forward-looking in its facilities and technology. The motto Laborare est Orare (To work is to pray) is not just a slogan on the blazer but underpins a work ethic that students seem to buy into.

The atmosphere is calm and purposeful. Official reports note that behaviour is exemplary and that pupils feel safe and happy. There is a distinct "Becket identity" which students wear with pride, often characterised by a confidence that comes from belonging to a school with clear boundaries and strong shared values.

Academic performance is a major draw for parents. In 2024, the school ranked 751st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools in England. The published figures suggest that 48.6% of pupils achieved a strong pass (Grade 5 or above) in the English Baccalaureate, reflecting a curriculum that remains rigorous and broad.

At A-level, the school ranks 14th in Nottingham and 1147th in England. This performance is solid, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). In 2024, 47% of grades were A*-B. While this is a respectable figure, the gap between the strong GCSE performance and the typical A-level performance suggests that while the Sixth Form is capable, the most exceptional value-added is found in the main school.

The curriculum is ambitious and largely traditional. At GCSE, the focus on the English Baccalaureate is clear, with high uptake in languages and humanities. Teaching is structured and consistent, with external reviews noting that teachers have strong subject knowledge and present information clearly.

Assessment is frequent. Parents receive regular reports on "Attributes for Learning" as well as academic grades. The school uses "The Becket Way" values (Resilience, Self-Confidence, Responsibility) to frame feedback, ensuring that character development runs alongside academic progress. Support for pupils with SEND is well-regarded, with clear plans in place that are shared effectively with teaching staff.

The majority of Year 11 students stay on for the Sixth Form, provided they meet the entry requirements (typically five Grade 5s, with Grade 6 in chosen subjects).

For Year 13 leavers, university remains the primary destination. In 2024, 69% of the cohort progressed to university. The school has a track record of supporting high aspirations; the 2024 cohort secured one place at Cambridge, continuing a steady trickle of Oxbridge successes. The school also sees a small but significant number of students (13%) moving directly into employment or higher apprenticeships, reflecting a growing pragmatism among school leavers.

Admission to The Becket School is fiercely competitive. In the most recent intake, there were 743 applications for just 174 places, a subscription ratio of over 4 to 1. This makes it significantly harder to access than many local grammar schools.

As a Catholic school, priority is given to Catholic children. The oversubscription criteria prioritise:

1. Catholic Looked After Children.
2. Catholic children attending feeder primary schools (e.g., Blessed Robert Widmerpool, St Patrick's, St Edmund Campion).
3. Other Catholic children.

Families must complete the Local Authority Common Application Form and the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to evidence faith practice. While non-Catholic children can apply, the sheer volume of Catholic applicants often means few, if any, places remain for those without a faith claim.

Pastoral care is organised through a House system, with students placed in forms that mix year groups. This vertical tutoring fosters a family feel, where older students mentor younger ones. The Chaplaincy team is highly active, organising retreats, liturgies, and charity events that ensure the school's faith life is accessible rather than imposing.

Wellbeing support includes a dedicated student support team and access to school counsellors. The school takes a restorative approach to behaviour, focusing on repairing relationships rather than simply issuing sanctions.

Extracurricular life is vibrant, particularly in sport and music. The school makes excellent use of its facilities, which include a large sports hall and all-weather pitches. Football, netball, and athletics are strong pillars, with teams regularly competing at county level.

Music is a central pillar of school life, as befits its Catholic tradition. The choir and orchestra perform regularly at school masses and public concerts.

Trips are a regular feature. Recent years have seen ski trips to Europe, pilgrimages to Lourdes, and geography field trips. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with large numbers completing Bronze and Silver awards.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Located on Wilford Lane, the school is well-served by public transport. The tram stop (Wilford Lane) is a short walk away, linking the school to Nottingham city centre and Clifton. Several dedicated school buses serve the wider catchment area.

Uniform is strict; blazers must be worn, and specific skirts or trousers are required. Mobile phones are banned during the school day to promote social interaction and focus.

Faith commitment expected. The Catholic ethos is not an optional extra; it is the water the school swims in. All students, regardless of background, attend Mass and take part in the religious life of the school. Families uncomfortable with this should look elsewhere.

Oversubscription is extreme. With more than four applicants for every seat, securing a place is the primary challenge. Living nearby provides no priority unless you also meet the faith criteria.

Sixth Form entry. Progression to Year 12 is not automatic. Students must meet strict grade requirements, and those who coast in Year 10 and 11 may find themselves needing to find an alternative college place.

The Becket School offers a compelling package; a modern learning environment, a distinct moral framework, and GCSE results that place it among the region's best state schools. The 2022 Ofsted inspection, while ungraded, explicitly noted the school could be judged Outstanding in a full inspection. Best suited to Catholic families who want a school where faith and academic rigour reinforce each other. The main challenge is securing a place.