Notre Dame RC School Review 2026: A Supportive Catholic Community in Plymouth

Notre Dame RC School stands as the only Catholic comprehensive school for girls in Plymouth, occupying a green, elevated site in the Derriford area. Since its foundation by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the school has maintained a distinct identity rooted in the teachings of Saint Julie Billiart. Currently serving approximately 730 students aged 11 to 18, the school operates a joint sixth form with the nearby St Boniface's Catholic College, providing a co-educational environment for post-16 study.

The school's recent performance metrics and official inspections indicate a solid educational foundation within a nurturing environment. While academic results sit within the broader middle range for England, the school is highly regarded for its pastoral care and the development of student character. Mr Michael Antram, who was appointed as Headteacher in September 2023, leads an institution that prioritizes the dignity of every person, a core value that permeates daily life from Year 7 through to the sixth form leavers.

The atmosphere at Notre Dame is defined by its Catholic heritage and an inclusive, supportive culture. The motto, Justesse (Righteousness), reflects the school's historical roots and its ongoing focus on social justice and moral integrity. The school site, characterized by its 1960s architecture and expansive views across Devon, provides a calm and orderly setting for learning.

Students at Notre Dame often describe the school as a close-knit community where individuals are known and valued. This is supported by the House system, with houses named Parks, Stang, Nightingale, Curie, and Hepburn. These houses serve as the primary vehicle for internal competition, charity work, and pastoral support.

Religious life is central to the school's identity. The chapel is a focal point for reflection, and the liturgical year is marked with regular Masses and prayer services. However, the school welcomes students from various backgrounds; recent monitoring notes that students of all faiths and none feel respected and integrated into school life.

In 2024, Notre Dame RC School achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 41.7, which reflects the grades students achieved across eight key subjects at GCSE. The school currently ranks 2,769th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 12th among secondary schools in Plymouth. This performance indicates that the school is meeting national standards, though results sit below the England average in some specific metrics.

The Progress 8 score of -0.27 suggests that, on average, students achieve slightly lower grades than their peers with similar starting points across England. However, the school maintains a steady focus on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), with 36.6% of students entering this academic pathway.

At A-level, the joint sixth form provision shows a consistent picture. In 2024, 24.3% of students achieved A* to B grades. The school ranks 2,266th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the 85th percentile. While these figures are below the England averages for elite performance, they represent significant personal achievement for a broad-ability intake.

Teaching at Notre Dame follows a structured curriculum designed to build confidence and subject mastery. The school uses a framework that aims to stretch higher-attaining students while providing scaffolding for those who need more support.

In the lower years, the curriculum is broad, including traditional subjects alongside modern foreign languages and creative arts. Science is a popular subject area, and the school has invested in laboratory equipment to support practical learning. In the sixth form, the partnership with St Boniface's allows for a much wider range of A-level and vocational subjects than a single school could typically offer, including specialist options in Social Sciences and the Arts.

Formal observations, including the most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025, confirm that teachers have strong subject knowledge and plan lessons that engage students. The school has a clear focus on literacy across the curriculum, recognizing the importance of communication skills for future success.

Where Students Go Next

The destination data highlights a diverse range of pathways for Notre Dame students. According to DfE leaver data for the 2024 cohort, 57% of Year 13 students progressed to university, with 4% choosing apprenticeships and 24% entering employment.

For those choosing higher education, popular destinations include the University of Plymouth, Exeter, and Bristol. In the most recent measurement period, the school's academic rigour was evidenced by one student securing a place at the University of Cambridge, with a total of two students submitting Oxbridge applications.

Admissions to Notre Dame RC School are coordinated by Plymouth City Council. As a Catholic school, the Board of Governors is the admission authority, and priority is given to baptised Catholic children. However, the school frequently admits students from other Christian denominations and other faith backgrounds, provided places are available.

The school is currently oversubscribed for its primary entry point. In the latest admissions cycle, there were 221 applications for 135 available places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.64. This indicates strong local demand for the school's distinctive girls-only environment in the secondary phase.

For families considering a place for September 2026, the deadline for secondary applications is 31 October 2025. Decisions are communicated on 02 March 2026. The school website provides details on the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) required for faith-based applications. Parents can also use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school gates to better understand their chances of securing a place.

Pastoral care is widely considered one of Notre Dame’s greatest strengths. The school operates a robust tutor-led system where staff maintain close contact with families. Each year group is supported by a dedicated Head of Year and a pastoral assistant, ensuring that social and emotional needs are addressed alongside academic progress.

The school’s Catholic character informs its approach to wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of kindness and mutual respect. The Student Voice is active here, with representatives from each house meeting regularly to discuss school improvements. The school also provides access to on-site counselling and has a clear policy for managing bullying and peer relationships.

Extracurricular life at Notre Dame is vibrant, with a particular emphasis on performing arts and leadership development. The school’s choir and drama groups are well-regarded in Plymouth, often performing at local festivals and community events.

Sporting opportunities are inclusive, with traditional team sports like netball and hockey complemented by clubs in trampolining and dance. The school also encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which is popular among students in the senior years.

STEM: Innovation and Skills

The school maintains a commitment to STEM subjects through various initiatives. Named clubs such as the Code Crusaders and Maths Challenge provide students with opportunities to apply their learning in competitive environments. The school's proximity to Plymouth's science and technology hub in Derriford allows for occasional industry links and guest speakers, helping students to see the real-world applications of their science and mathematics studies.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy within the Plymouth CAST multi-academy trust, Notre Dame RC School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge for all eligible students.

Associated costs, such as school uniforms, equipment, and optional trips, are the responsibility of parents. However, the school is committed to inclusion and offers financial support through the 16-19 Bursary Fund for eligible students in the sixth form. Families qualifying for Pupil Premium may also be eligible for assistance with the costs of school trips and other curriculum-related expenses. Parents are encouraged to contact the school office directly for the latest guidance on financial assistance.

The school day typically runs from 8:40 am to 3:15 pm. For students in the sixth form, travel between the Notre Dame and St Boniface sites is managed through a dedicated shuttle bus service during the school day.

The school is well-served by local bus routes connecting Derriford to Plymouth city centre and the surrounding Devon villages. While there is no formal on-site wraparound care like a primary school, several after-school clubs provide a structured environment for students who stay late.

• Faith Criteria: As a Catholic school, the admissions policy prioritizes baptised Catholics. Families from other backgrounds should check the previous years' intake data to assess the likelihood of securing a place.
• Joint Sixth Form Travel: Students in Years 12 and 13 will need to travel between two school sites for their lessons. While this is well-managed, it requires students to be organized and adaptable.
• Girls-only Environment: The secondary phase is girls-only. This environment suits many students brilliantly, but families should consider whether this specific setting is the right fit for their daughter.
• Performance Metrics: While the school provides a supportive environment, its Progress 8 score is currently below the England average. Families focused solely on league table rankings should weigh this against the school's strong pastoral reputation.

Notre Dame RC School offers a balanced education that excels in character development and pastoral support. It is a school that truly lives its values, providing a safe and nurturing space for girls to grow in confidence. Best suited to families who value a faith-based education and a supportive, community-focused environment over high-pressure academic competition.