Unum in Corpore Uno (Together in One Body) is more than a motto at Corpus Christi; it is the organising principle of this vibrant Catholic high school in Fulwood. Serving a diverse catchment across Preston, the school combines a rigorous academic culture with deep pastoral care. With a Progress 8 score of +0.67 in 2024, it sits well above the England average for value-added performance, proving that pupils here achieve significantly better outcomes than their peers nationally, regardless of their starting points.
The campus on St Vincent’s Road is a hive of purposeful activity. While the school has expanded over the years, it retains a close-knit feel, helped by a House system that cuts across year groups. The atmosphere is orderly and distinctly Catholic; the day begins with prayer, and the "Corpus Christi Way"—a clear code of conduct—is evident in the calm corridors and polite interactions between pupils.
Mr John Hankin, the Headteacher, leads with a clear vision that education is about more than just exam certificates. Parents describe the school as strict but fair, with high expectations for uniform and behaviour. The diverse intake (24% of pupils speak English as an additional language) contributes to a rich, inclusive community where difference is celebrated within the unifying framework of the Catholic faith.
Academic performance is a headline strength, particularly in terms of progress. The 2024 Progress 8 score of +0.67 places the school in the "Well Above Average" band, indicating that pupils achieve, on average, two-thirds of a grade higher in every subject than similar pupils nationally.
In 2024, the school ranked 10th among secondary schools in Preston and 1,650th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).
Key metrics for 2024 include:
These figures tell a story of consistent value-added teaching, where staff work tirelessly to ensure pupils exceed their statistical predictions.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and balanced, resisting the temptation to narrow choices too early. Key Stage 3 covers the full National Curriculum, with Art, Drama, and Music taught as distinct subjects. In Key Stage 4, the core academic suite (EBacc) is strong, but there is also room for vocational options, reflecting the school's commitment to serving all talents.
Teaching is characterised by strong routines. Lessons often begin with "retrieval practice" to cement prior knowledge. Teachers are praised for their subject expertise, particularly in English and Mathematics, where results are consistently strong. The school has invested heavily in reading, with a dedicated "Reading Canon" and structured literacy support for those who need it.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
As an 11-16 school, Corpus Christi does not have a sixth form. This allows the school to focus entirely on the main secondary phase. The transition to post-16 education is well-managed, with the majority of pupils progressing to Cardinal Newman College, a highly-regarded Catholic sixth form college nearby. Others move on to Preston College for vocational courses or secure apprenticeships with local employers. The strong careers programme ensures that by Year 11, students have a clear plan for their next steps.
Admissions are coordinated by Lancashire County Council. As a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, the Governing Body is the admissions authority. The Published Admission Number (PAN) for Year 7 is 160.
Demand for places is high. In 2024, the school was oversubscribed, with a subscription ratio of over 5 applications per place for the 155 offers made.
Priority is given to:
Families applying under faith criteria must complete the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the local authority application. Failure to do so will result in the application being placed in a lower priority category.
Applications
905
Total received
Places Offered
155
Subscription Rate
5.8x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is anchored in the House system, with Form Tutors providing the first point of contact. The "Hub" offers a sanctuary for pupils needing emotional support, whether for anxiety, friendship issues, or bereavement.
The school's approach to discipline is restorative but firm. Bullying is taken seriously, and parents report that staff are responsive when concerns are raised. The Chaplaincy team plays a vital role, offering a listening ear to pupils of all faiths and none, and ensuring that the school's mission—"to live the Gospel"—is a practical reality, not just a slogan.
The "Enrichment Programme" is extensive. Sport is a major feature, with competitive teams in football, netball, and basketball. The facilities, including a sports hall and expansive fields, are well-used.
Music and Drama are central to school life, with annual productions and regular liturgical performances. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, offering pupils the chance to build resilience and leadership skills. For many, the highlight of their time at Corpus Christi is the pilgrimage to Castlerigg Manor in the Lake District, a retreat that fosters deep friendships and spiritual growth.
This is a state-funded school with no tuition fees. Parents may be asked to contribute to the cost of residential trips, music lessons, or specific extracurricular activities, but these are voluntary. The school uses Pupil Premium funding effectively to support disadvantaged students with uniform and equipment costs where needed.
State-funded school (families may still pay for uniforms, trips, and optional activities).
8:45am to 3:05pm.
Black blazer with school badge, black trousers/skirt, white shirt, school tie. Strict adherence is expected.
Well-served by public bus routes from across Preston.
Breakfast club runs from 8:00am; canteen operates a cashless system.
Faith is central. The Catholic ethos is not an optional extra; it pervades the curriculum, assembly, and daily life. Families uncomfortable with this should look elsewhere.
No Sixth Form. Students must move to a new institution at 16. While this offers a fresh start, families seeking an all-through 11-18 education will not find it here.
Strict expectations. The school prides itself on high standards of uniform and behaviour. This "tough love" approach suits many but may not align with families preferring a more relaxed environment.
Corpus Christi is a school that refuses to put a ceiling on achievement. With progress scores that envy many selective schools and a pastoral heart that cares for the individual, it offers a compelling package for families in Preston. Best suited to those who want a structured, faith-based education where high academic standards are matched by a commitment to character. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular school.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2019. Its 2024 Progress 8 score of +0.67 indicates that teaching is highly effective, helping pupils achieve significantly better results than the national average.
The school does not have a fixed distance-based catchment area. Instead, it prioritises children from specific Catholic feeder parishes. Distance is used as a tie-breaker within these categories.
No. Non-Catholic children are welcome to apply and are admitted if places remain after all Catholic applicants have been served. However, given the high demand, places for non-Catholic children can be limited.
Applications must be made via Lancashire County Council's online system by 31 October. If applying for a faith place, you must also complete the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and return it directly to the school.
The school serves a number of parishes across Preston, including St Gregory's, St Maria Goretti, and English Martyrs. A full list is available in the admissions policy on the school website.
Get in touch with the school directly
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