Moor Park High School and Sixth Form Review 2026: Historic Setting, Modern Inclusivity

Standing in the Grade II listed red-brick buildings of the former Preston Grammar School, Moor Park High School combines architectural heritage with a thoroughly modern, inclusive ethos. The setting is imposing; the 1913 collegiate-style façade suggests tradition and permanence, yet the school inside serves a diverse, comprehensive intake from across Preston.

A significant change is underway. Following a decision by Lancashire County Council in June 2025, the school's Sixth Form provision is scheduled to close with effect from 31 August 2026. Consequently, the school is no longer accepting applications for Year 12, marking a transition to becoming an 11-16 provider. For families applying for Year 7, the focus remains on the main school, which continues to thrive and is heavily oversubscribed.

The school operates a "Fair Banding" admission system to ensure a comprehensive intake, a distinctive feature in the local landscape. With its "Access to Excellence" motto, Moor Park prides itself on knowing every student, facilitated by its relatively small size compared to larger neighbours.

The first impression is one of grandeur. The school occupies a landmark site on Moor Park Avenue, directly opposite the expansive parkland. The main building features a central clock tower and extensive wood panelling, offering students a daily connection to the town's educational history.

Miss Ishtiaq leads the school as Headteacher, overseeing a culture that balances heritage with high expectations. Uniforms are worn formally, and movement around the building is orderly, yet the atmosphere is warm rather than stiff. The student body is diverse, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Preston, and the school celebrates this as a preparation for modern life.

Core values of integrity, resilience, and ambition are not merely printed in planners but are active in daily life. The "House" system injects a healthy dose of competition, with students valuing the sense of belonging it creates.

The 2024 results reflect a school serving a mixed-ability cohort with pockets of strong individual performance.

At GCSE, the school ranks 2,962nd in England and 17th in Preston (FindMySchool ranking). The Attainment 8 score of 38.9 sits below the England average of 45.9. However, raw grades tell only part of the story. The Progress 8 score of -0.19 indicates that students achieve just under a fifth of a grade lower than similar students nationally, suggesting that outcomes are broadly in line with expectations given the starting points.

In terms of core subjects, 12% of students achieved the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at grade 5 or above. This reflects the school's curriculum choices and the intake's profile.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to keep options open for as long as possible. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) retains a strong focus on arts and humanities alongside the core.

Teaching quality is generally strong, with inspectors noting that teachers have good subject knowledge. A heavy emphasis is placed on literacy, with "Drop Everything and Read" sessions and a well-stocked library supporting this drive.

Lessons follow a consistent structure. Recall activities start most sessions to cement prior learning, followed by teacher exposition and guided practice. This consistency helps students know what to expect and reduces anxiety. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is effective, with the SENCO coordinating a team of teaching assistants who work within the classroom rather than isolating students.

With the closure of the school's own Sixth Form, transition planning for Year 11 has become even more robust. The school has strong links with local providers, including Preston College, Cardinal Newman College, and Runshaw College.

Destinations data for the 2024 cohort shows that 35% of leavers progressed to university, while 10% secured apprenticeships, a figure that highlights the strength of the school's vocational careers advice. A further 25% moved directly into employment. The school ensures every student has a clear pathway post-16, whether academic or vocational.

Admission to Moor Park High School is coordinated by Lancashire County Council, but the school uses a distinctive "Fair Banding" system.

All applicants for Year 7 must sit a Fair Banding assessment, typically held in October of Year 6. This is not a pass/fail test but is used to place children into ability bands. The school then admits a proportion of children from each band to ensure a comprehensive intake that reflects the full ability range.

The school is officially "Oversubscribed". In the most recent cycle, there were 452 applications for 129 places, a subscription ratio of 3.5. This makes it one of the most competitive schools in the area. Parents must apply by the national deadline of 31 October.

Note: The Sixth Form is closed to new applicants for September 2026 entry.

Pastoral care is structured around Year Groups, with a Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Manager attached to each cohort. This dual layer of support ensures that immediate issues are dealt with swiftly.

Bullying is taken seriously, with an electronic reporting system allowing students to raise concerns discreetly. Parents generally report that staff are responsive. The small size of the school is a distinct advantage here; it is harder for a student to fall through the cracks when staff know faces as well as names.

The extracurricular offer aims to broaden horizons. Sport is a pillar of school life, utilising the on-site gym and the expansive Moor Park opposite for field sports. Football, netball, and cricket teams compete locally.

The Arts are well served. The annual school production utilises the main hall's stage to professional effect, and music tuition is available for various instruments. The Duke of Edinburgh Award pushes students out of their comfort zones with expeditions in the Lancashire countryside.

The school day begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:00pm. Breakfast club runs from 8:00am, offering a free bagel to every student. Located on Moor Park Avenue, the school is well-served by public transport, with multiple bus routes stopping nearby. There is no on-site parking for parents.

Sixth Form Closure: The school's Sixth Form will close permanently in August 2026. Families looking for an 11-18 education within one institution should be aware that students will need to move to a different provider after GCSEs.

Fair Banding Assessment: Entry requires sitting an assessment in Year 6. This is mandatory for all applicants to ensure the banding system works, though it does not select by ability.

Competitive Entry: With 3.5 applications per place, securing a spot is difficult. Families should ensure they understand the admission criteria and banding system fully.

Moor Park High School offers a distinctive proposition; the dignity of a historic setting combined with the warmth of a small, inclusive community. While the closure of the Sixth Form marks a significant change, the main school remains a stable, nurturing environment where students are known and supported. Best suited to families who value pastoral care and a fair, comprehensive ethos over the sheer scale of larger academies. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular school.