Our Lady's Catholic High School: A Faith-Centred Community in Preston

Situated in the suburb of Fulwood, Our Lady's Catholic High School (OLCHS) serves as a distinct choice in the Preston landscape. It is not just a school but a community defined explicitly by its faith. Serving 900 students aged 11 to 16, it remains smaller than many of the sprawling academies nearby; this scale allows for a palpable sense of knowing and being known. The school is consistently oversubscribed, a testament to its reputation for combining pastoral warmth with academic stability.

The school motto, Being One in Christ, appears to be the operating system of the school rather than just branding. Visitors often remark on the atmosphere of calm that pervades the corridors; something the leadership attributes to a shared moral framework. The environment is orderly without being regimented.

Mr Richard Charnock has led the school as Headteacher since 2021. His leadership focuses heavily on the concept of the "school family", reinforcing high expectations of behaviour through positive relationships rather than purely punitive measures. The staff body includes many long-serving teachers, providing continuity that is increasingly rare in the sector.

The architecture is a functional mix of mid-20th-century blocks and modern additions, typical of state schools that have expanded over decades. However, the site is well-maintained, and the presence of the Chapel at the heart of the school signals its priorities. This is a place where Mass is celebrated, and the liturgical year shapes the school calendar as much as the academic term dates.

In 2024, the school's academic performance placed it in the "national typical" band, ranking 1,184th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This position reflects consistent achievement in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

Locally, Our Lady's ranks 9th among secondary schools in Preston. The data reveals a school where students make above-average progress from their starting points; evidenced by a positive Progress 8 score of +0.24. This indicates that, on average, students here achieve a quarter of a grade higher across their subjects than students with similar prior attainment nationally.

Attainment is robust. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 50.8 in 2024, compared to the England average of 45.9. Furthermore, 26.4% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite of subjects, indicating a commitment to a broad, academic curriculum for a significant portion of the cohort.

The curriculum is built around the English Baccalaureate but retains breadth. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) remains three full years; resisting the trend to shorten it to two. This ensures students have time to explore subjects like Art, Drama, and Music before narrowing their choices.

Teaching tends to be traditional and structured. There is a strong emphasis on Modern Foreign Languages, with many students encouraged to pursue French or Spanish to GCSE. Science is taught in specialist laboratories, and the school has invested in upgrading its Design Technology facilities to support vocational as well as academic pathways.

The approach to learning is underpinned by the "Principal Teachers" system; where specific staff oversee the academic progress of year groups, intervening early when students fall behind.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11-16 school, there is no Sixth Form on site. This means the school focuses entirely on the main secondary phase, without the distraction of older students.

The transition at 16 is well-managed, with strong links to local providers. The vast majority of leavers progress to Cardinal Newman College, a highly-regarded Catholic sixth form college in Preston. This pathway is well-trodden, and the school prepares students effectively for the step up to A-levels or T-levels. Others move on to Preston College for vocational courses or Myerscough College for land-based studies.

Our Lady's is a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, meaning the governing body sets the admissions criteria. Admissions are coordinated by Lancashire County Council.

The school is strictly oversubscribed. In recent intakes, applications have significantly exceeded the 180 places available, resulting in a competitive entry process. This level of demand means that meeting the criteria is essential.

Priority is given to baptised Catholic children living in the designated parishes. For families seeking a place on faith grounds, the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is mandatory and must be returned directly to the school by 31 October, in addition to the local authority application.

While the school serves the Catholic community first, it does welcome children of other faiths and none; provided places are available after all Catholic applicants have been admitted. However, given the subscription levels, places for non-Catholic children can be limited depending on the year.

Pastoral care is arguably the school's defining feature. The system is organised by Year Group rather than House; with Learning Managers (non-teaching pastoral staff) available throughout the day to support students. This ensures that immediate issues, from lost equipment to friendship fallouts, are dealt with rapidly, allowing teachers to focus on teaching.

The "One Centre" provides a dedicated space for inclusion support; catering to students with additional needs or those requiring a quiet sanctuary away from the main school bustle. Safeguarding is rigorous, and the school invests in external counselling services for students needing professional emotional support.

The extracurricular offer is broad, with a particular strength in sport. The PE department runs teams in football, netball, basketball, and athletics; competing regularly in Preston and district leagues. The sports hall and outdoor courts are well-used until late afternoon.

Music and the Arts are visible pillars of school life. The annual school production involves a significant number of students; not just on stage but in technical roles. The choir performs at school Masses and community events.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular in Years 10 and 11, with high completion rates for the Bronze award. The Chaplaincy team runs retreats and charity events, ensuring that the "faith in action" aspect of the school's mission offers practical outlets for student leadership.

The school day begins at 8:50am and finishes at 3:05pm. The site is located on St Anthony's Drive in Fulwood. It is well-served by local bus routes, particularly the 23 and 43 services which connect Fulwood to the city centre and surrounding areas.

There is no dedicated school bus service for all areas; so many students rely on public transport or lift-sharing. Parents driving for drop-off should be aware that St Anthony's Drive can become heavily congested at peak times.

Faith commitment. The Catholic ethos is central and pervasive. It affects the curriculum (10% of time is given to RE), assemblies, and the rhythm of the year. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious teaching may find the environment misaligned with their values.

No Sixth Form. Students must change institutions at 16. While the pathway to Cardinal Newman College is smooth, it does require a transition that students in 11-18 schools do not face.

Oversubscription. Securing a place is competitive. Families living outside the core parishes or without a baptismal certificate may find access difficult in high-demand years.

Our Lady's Catholic High School offers a robust, traditional education within a nurturing, faith-filled community. It produces strong academic results without becoming an exam factory; prioritising character and moral development alongside grades. Best suited to families who value the Catholic ethos and want a school where pastoral care is the foundation of academic success. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular, tight-knit school.