St Cecilia's RC High School Review 2026: Small, Faith-Led, and Oversubscribed

With fewer than 500 students, St Cecilia's offers something increasingly rare in state education: a secondary school where anonymity is impossible. Located in Longridge, a town where the Ribble Valley meets Preston, the school serves a tight-knit community that values its small scale and distinct Catholic ethos.

Admission is competitive. With nearly 2.5 applications for every place in 2024, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families are drawn not just by the "Good" Ofsted rating but by a pastoral environment where staff know every child by name. This is not a vast educational factory; it is a compact, nurturing institution where the mission to "Discover, Develop, Rejoice" is woven into the daily routine.

The first thing visitors notice is the scale. The campus is compact, allowing for easy movement between lessons without the logistical treks required in larger academies. This creates a calm, contained atmosphere during break times. The buildings are functional rather than architectural marvels, but they are well-maintained and display student artwork and religious iconography prominently.

Mrs Helen Hall has led the school since 2021. Her leadership focuses on high expectations within a supportive framework, balancing academic rigour with the school's spiritual life. Staff turnover is relatively low, contributing to a stable environment where relationships between teachers and families often span siblings and generations.

Faith is central here. The day begins with prayer, and Mass is celebrated regularly. However, the atmosphere is inclusive; whilst the Catholic identity is non-negotiable, the school welcomes those of other faiths who respect its ethos. The "family feel" often cited by parents is genuine, fostered by a house system that mixes age groups and encourages older students to mentor younger ones.

St Cecilia's delivers solid academic outcomes that reflect its mixed-ability intake. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.12, indicating that students make slightly above-average progress from their starting points compared to peers across England.

The average Attainment 8 score was 45.5, sitting just below the England average of 45.9. Ranked 2,592nd in England and 14th in Preston for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), performance sits in the "national typical" band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.

More importantly for many families, the school ensures students secure the grades they need for their next steps. The focus is on individual progress—value added—rather than just raw top grades, which aligns with the school's inclusive mission.

The curriculum is broad but traditional. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) covers the full National Curriculum with a strong emphasis on Religious Education, which is a core subject for all. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11), students choose from a range of GCSEs. The school encourages the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) for those capable, but also offers vocational options like BTEC Sport and Health & Social Care to ensure pathways for all learners.

Class sizes are generally smaller than the average state secondary, often hovering around 25 rather than 30. This allows teachers to monitor understanding closely. Teaching styles vary but tend towards structured, teacher-led instruction that ensures discipline and focus.

The 2025 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good overall, with Personal Development graded as Outstanding. Inspectors noted that the curriculum is ambitious and that pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are fully included in the life of the school.

As an 11-16 school, St Cecilia's has no sixth form. This means Year 11 is a time of transition. The majority of students progress to Cardinal Newman College in Preston, the local Catholic sixth form college, which is rated Outstanding and maintains strong links with the school.

Others opt for apprenticeships or vocational courses at Preston College or Myerscough College, particularly those interested in land-based studies given the school's semi-rural location. The school provides dedicated careers advice from Year 9 to help students navigate these choices.

Entry to St Cecilia's is competitive. In 2024, the school received 297 applications for just 120 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.48. This makes it one of the more sought-after schools in the area.

Admissions are coordinated by Lancashire County Council. As a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, the governors prioritise baptised Catholic children. Families applying under faith criteria must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and provide evidence of baptism.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise:

1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children.
2. Baptised Catholic children living in contributory parishes (e.g., St Wilfrid's Longridge, St Mary's Chipping).
3. Baptised Catholic children from other parishes.
4. Siblings of current students.
5. Non-Catholic children.

Given the high demand, families who are not Catholic and do not have siblings at the school have a lower chance of securing a place, though proximity plays a role in the final tie-breaker.

The school’s size is its greatest pastoral asset. Bullying is rare and dealt with swiftly because staff spot changes in behaviour quickly. The pastoral structure is organised by Year Leaders who stay with their cohort as they move up the school, providing continuity.

Wellbeing support includes access to a school counsellor and the "Chaplaincy Team", which offers a listening ear regardless of a student's religious stance. The school holds the "Anti-Bullying Quality Mark", reflecting its proactive approach to student safety.

Extracurricular life is vibrant for a small school. Sport is a major pillar; despite limited on-site fields, the school utilises local facilities and the sports hall effectively. Teams compete regularly in Preston schools' leagues for football, netball, and athletics.

Music and drama are central to the school's cultural calendar. The annual school production involves a significant portion of the student body, whether on stage or behind the scenes. The choir performs at school Masses and community events in Longridge.

Trips are frequent and varied. Recent years have seen history trips to the battlefields of Ypres, geography field trips to the Lake District, and spiritual retreats to Castlerigg Manor. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular in Year 10, with students taking advantage of the nearby fells for their expeditions.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are expected to fund the cost of the uniform, some extracurricular trips, and individual music lessons if chosen. The school receives Pupil Premium funding to support eligible students with these costs.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:10pm. St Cecilia's serves a wide catchment, and dedicated school buses transport students from Preston, Ribchester, and the wider Ribble Valley. Parents should check the Lancashire County Council website for specific bus routes and pass costs.

Uniform is strictly enforced: a maroon blazer with the school crest, white shirt, and school tie. The standard of dress is high, reinforcing the sense of community and discipline.

Faith is central. This is not a school where religion is sidelined. Prayer, Mass, and RE are integral. Families uncomfortable with a distinctly Catholic education may find the environment too pervasive.

Limited facilities. Compared to large new-build academies, St Cecilia's facilities are modest. There is no swimming pool or vast theatre. However, the school invests where it counts, ensuring classrooms and IT suites are modern.

No Sixth Form. Students must move institutions at 16. While this offers a fresh start and access to larger colleges, it does mean the "top of the school" leadership opportunities end at Year 11.

Competitive entry. With 2.5 applications per place, listing St Cecilia's as a preference does not guarantee admission. Families outside the faith categories or immediate distance should have a realistic backup plan.

St Cecilia's offers a nurturing, faith-filled education where individual attention is guaranteed. It proves that schools do not need to be vast to be successful. Solid academic progress, excellent pastoral care, and a strong moral compass make it a standout choice. Best suited to families who value a supportive, close-knit community over state-of-the-art facilities, and who support the Catholic ethos. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular school.