Archbishop Temple Church of England High School: Faith, Nurture, and High Standards

Archbishop Temple Church of England High School is a high-performing secondary school in Fulwood, Preston, known for its academic rigour and distinct Christian character. Following a challenging period, the school was rated Good in all areas by Ofsted in January 2025, confirming its return to high standards. With around 800 pupils, it remains smaller than many modern secondaries, allowing for a tight-knit community atmosphere. Results are consistently strong, with the school ranking 1,025th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 5th among secondary schools in Preston.

The school’s motto, "Faith in Faithfulness", is not merely a slogan but the foundation of daily life. The core values of Faith, Nurture, and Service are visible in everything from assembly themes to the behaviour policy. Mr Ivan Catlow, the Headteacher, leads a staff team committed to these principles.

The atmosphere is purposeful and orderly. The 2025 Ofsted report noted that pupils "relish opportunities to fundraise for charity" and described the environment as "calm and orderly". Uniform standards are high, with blazers and ties expected. While the site is compact, it is well-maintained, centred around spaces that allow for both learning and worship.

Academic performance is a key draw for parents. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 54.9, significantly exceeding the England average of 45.9.

Archbishop Temple ranks 1,025th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it ranks 5th among secondary schools in Preston, placing it in the top tier of performance for the region.

The Progress 8 score of +0.22 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points. Performance in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is particularly strong, with an average point score of 4.77 compared to the England average of 4.08.

The curriculum is ambitious and broad. The January 2025 inspection praised the "well-crafted curriculum" that identifies essential knowledge clearly. Teachers are noted for their strong subject knowledge, using it to check understanding and address misconceptions effectively.

Reading is a priority, promoted through library clubs and author visits. The school also places a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with robotics and computing featuring prominently in the extracurricular offer. Support for pupils with SEND is effective, with staff knowing the strategies required to meet additional needs.

As an 11-16 school, pupils move on after GCSEs. The school prepares them well for this transition, with robust careers advice integrated into the curriculum. The majority of leavers progress to Cardinal Newman College, a highly regarded local sixth form college, while others choose Preston College or apprenticeships depending on their vocational interests.

Entry is competitive. In 2024, the school received 614 applications for 207 places, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in Lancashire.

Admissions criteria are divided into Faith places and Community places.

• Faith Places: Up to 135 places are available for children whose parents attend Christian worship (fortnightly attendance for two years is the typical threshold). A Supplementary Information Form (SIF) must be submitted to the school.
• Community Places: Remaining places are allocated based on distance.

The last distance offered varies annually and can be very tight for community applicants. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

"Nurture" is a central pillar of the school's ethos. Pastoral care is organised by year group, ensuring pupils have a consistent Head of Year as they progress. The school chaplain plays a vital role, offering non-academic support and a "listening ear" for pupils of all faiths and none. The recent inspection highlighted that pupils feel safe and happy, benefiting from clear behaviour systems and a culture of mutual respect.

The extracurricular programme is extensive.

Music

A major strength, with a choir, concert band, and regular performance opportunities at prestigious venues.

Sport

Competitive teams in football, netball, and badminton, alongside opportunities for recreational fitness.

Clubs

The list is diverse, including robotics, chess, dance, and a flourishing Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Trips broaden horizons further, with recent excursions including a business trip to New York and a geography trip to Iceland.

This is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees. Parents are expected to provide the school uniform and may be asked to contribute to the cost of residential trips, instrumental music lessons, or specific extracurricular activities. The school uses Pupil Premium funding to support eligible families with these costs.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:05pm. Located on St Vincent’s Road in Fulwood, the site is busy at peak times. Many pupils travel by dedicated bus services or public transport. The school does not have its own sixth form or nursery.

Faith commitment. The Christian ethos is pervasive. Attendance at worship is expected, and the admissions policy heavily favours practising families. Oversubscription. With three applicants for every place, securing entry is the biggest hurdle. Families relying on distance must live very close to the school gates. No sixth form. Pupils must change institutions at 16. While transition is well-supported, some families prefer the continuity of an 11-18 school.

Archbishop Temple is a school that has successfully balanced academic rigour with a caring, faith-based ethos. Its return to a Good rating in 2025 confirms the quality of education on offer. Best suited to families who want a structured, traditional education within a supportive Christian framework. The main challenge is securing a place.