Notre Dame High School, Sheffield Review 2026: Vibrant Catholic Academy with Strong Progression

In 1855, when the Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in Sheffield from Liverpool, they had a vision of Catholic education for girls in the city centre. Today, on the sprawling 20-acre Oakbrook estate in Ranmoor (built on land once owned by steel magnate and Lord Mayor Mark Firth, whose Victorian mansion now houses the Sixth Form), that vision has evolved into a thriving co-educational academy serving nearly 1,500 students from across Sheffield and beyond. Notre Dame stands out for its genuine Catholic ethos, strong university progression (61% of 2024 leavers went to university), and above-average academic outcomes across both GCSE and A-level. The school occupies an enviable position: rated Good by Ofsted in January 2022, it ranks 753rd in England for GCSE outcomes (top 16%), placing it well above the England average (FindMySchool ranking). For families seeking a state secondary with clear Catholic character, strong pastoral foundations, and genuine academic ambition, Notre Dame merits serious consideration.

The school's identity is unmistakably rooted in its Catholic heritage. Each day begins and ends with prayer; students attend regular assemblies and services following the liturgical calendar. This is not superficial; staff are contractually committed to upholding the Catholic ethos, and teachers accompany students to acts of worship. Yet the atmosphere feels inclusive rather than exclusive. The school population is genuinely diverse, with roughly 53% from ethnic minority backgrounds and students of different faiths welcomed alongside the Catholic majority. Mrs Deirdre Cleary, who leads the school as Head, brings commitment to relationships and inclusivity as foundational to everything the school does.

The physical setting reinforces community and tradition. Four houses named after places associated with St Julie Billart (Picardy, Compiègne, St Julie, Cuvilly) organise students across the year groups, fostering loyalty through inter-house competitions in both sport and academics. The Academic House Cup measures not just achievement but effort, acknowledging that progress matters as much as raw attainment. The campus itself tells a story of continuous investment: the 1930s main building with its distinctive salle (a high-vaulted assembly hall), the Victorian-listed Oakbrook House now serving as the Sixth Form centre, alongside modern additions including the Hallam City Learning Centre (noted in the Pevsner Guide for architectural merit) and the Environmental Learning Centre built from sustainable timber. Smith Wood at the northern edge of campus, believed to have once been part of Sherwood Forest, provides sanctuary and outdoor learning space.

Most students come from across Sheffield's diverse catchment. The school has evolved significantly since 1976, when it transitioned from a girls' grammar school to a mixed comprehensive, broadening its reach and purpose. That inclusive legacy remains evident in how staff speak about meeting students where they are and respecting individual dignity.

GCSE Performance

In the most recent data (2024 exam cycle), Notre Dame achieved strong outcomes. An Attainment 8 score of 57.4 sits well above the England average of 45.9, reflecting solid achievement across the eight-qualification basket that measures GCSE progress. The Progress 8 score of +0.69 indicates that pupils made above-average progress from their key stage 2 starting points compared to nationally similar students.

The school ranks 753rd nationally for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 16% of schools in England and performing well above the typical. Locally, Notre Dame achieves 8th position among Sheffield's secondary schools. Two-thirds (67%) of students achieved grade 5 or above in English and mathematics GCSEs (the threshold often regarded as a "strong pass"), compared to the England average of 44%. English Baccalaureate entries stood at 33%, with 33% of those entrants achieving grades 5-9, indicating solid breadth alongside depth in academic choices.

Students show particular strength in maintaining attendance throughout their GCSE year, with 94% completing their main study programme. This speaks to effective pastoral care and student engagement.

A-Level Performance

The Sixth Form, now based in the elegant Oakbrook House, demonstrates sustained academic quality. At A-level, 54% of grades achieved A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The school ranks 990th nationally for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 37% and reflecting solid outcomes in this highly selective cohort. Locally, Notre Dame ranks 12th among Sheffield's sixth forms.

A-level pass rates are strong, with most students completing their chosen qualifications. The breadth of offer (roughly 20 A-level subjects across science, humanities, languages, and arts) allows students to shape their own pathways.

Teaching follows clear structures grounded in the school's Catholic mission to educate the whole person spiritually, morally, socially, and academically. The curriculum is ambitious and reflects the school's recognition that Sheffield's diverse student population brings varied cultural perspectives; the wider curriculum explicitly incorporates this diversity. Religious Education is compulsory at all key stages, including the Sixth Form, and sits alongside English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and creative subjects.

Staff expertise is evident in student progress measures. Teachers maintain high expectations for what pupils can achieve, though Ofsted's 2022 inspection noted that not all teachers consistently enforce these expectations in matters of behaviour, suggesting an area for continued refinement. Curriculum choices at GCSE (Art, Drama, Product Design, Food and Nutrition, Photography, Triple Science, Business, Dance, Geography, Child Development, History, Physical Education, iMedia, Health and Social Care, Computer Science, and Music) allow meaningful personalisation within a rigorous core.

The school also invests in early intervention and support. A dedicated SEND team provides tailored help for pupils with additional needs, and a trained counsellor visits weekly. The Open Learning Centre (opened in 1997 and refreshed since) provides a 21st-century learning resource with technology and quiet study spaces. Music teaching occurs in dedicated classrooms and rehearsal rooms (suite opened 1997), and drama benefits from the Chapel Drama Studio, originally created in 1995.

Leavers' progression data from the 2024 cohort shows strong university focus: 61% progressed to university, 21% entered employment, 4% began apprenticeships, and 1% entered further education. This balance reflects the school's comprehensive intake and its success in supporting varied post-18 pathways. In the measurement period, the school saw modest Oxbridge engagement: 18 applications across Oxford and Cambridge, resulting in 1 offer and 1 acceptance (to Cambridge). This is realistic for a comprehensive secondary; the absolute numbers are less significant than the reality that pathways to competitive universities exist for motivated students.

Families often ask about sixth form entry. Internal progression from Year 11 to Year 12 is strong but not automatic; sixth form entry requires meeting academic criteria (typically grade 5 or above in core subjects, though specific subjects may have higher thresholds). The school actively supports students in making informed choices about A-level subjects and progression, with dedicated guidance in Year 11.

Notre Dame's extracurricular offer is extensive, reflecting the school's commitment to educating the whole person. The school runs a structured array of clubs and trips across academic, performing arts, sporting, and general-interest categories. Staff lead these activities voluntarily during breaks and after school.

Music and Performing Arts

Music occupies a visible place in school life. The suite of music classrooms and rehearsal rooms supports instrumental learning, and several ensembles draw interested students together. A school production takes place each academic year, performed at the University Drama Studio with multi-evening runs (recent productions include January 2026 performances). Drama activities are significant, with students engaged in both curriculum-based and extracurricular performances.

Sports and Physical Development

The four-court sports hall (built in the late 1980s) enables sustained investment in volleyball, badminton, handball, and other indoor sports. Two all-weather pitches (opened 1998) extend outdoor capacity for football and hockey. The school tracks notable achievements: students have reached final national trials with the Football Association, and success in badminton and rounders at national championship levels reflects serious sporting commitment. Staff are actively encouraged to lead extracurricular sporting activities, creating breadth of opportunity from recreational to elite pathways.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

A structured Duke of Edinburgh scheme operates across Bronze (Years 10-11) and Gold (Year 12) levels, offering progression in adventure and personal development. The scheme culminates in expeditions that test resilience and teamwork.

Academic and Interest-Based Clubs

Beyond the formal curriculum, the school publishes a detailed extracurricular timetable each term showing a wide variety of clubs. The Padlet platform ("Notre Dame's Extra-Curricular Offer") makes activity listings visible to students and families, encouraging participation across academic extension (Maths Club, Debating, Olympiad-focused groups), STEM engagement, and general interest areas. A strong culture of student voice is evident in how leadership opportunities are facilitated.

Charity and Service

The school maintains a tradition of Christian charitable work through the internal charity FOND (Friends of Notre Dame), and encourages service learning and volunteering as expressions of Catholic values. The school also engages with the broader community; for example, it hosts the Sheffield SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training), positioning it as a hub for teacher development and professional learning.

Facilities and Outdoor Learning

The Environmental Learning Centre, a purpose-built timber-frame structure opened in 2009 and located at the north end of school woodland, exemplifies the school's commitment to sustainable practice and outdoor education. Smith Wood itself — 20 acres of green space — provides outdoor classroom space and opportunity for nature study, while the pond and landscaped grounds support diverse learning contexts.

Notre Dame is a non-selective, mixed comprehensive, drawing pupils from across Sheffield City Council's boundaries and beyond. The school is consistently oversubscribed at secondary entry (Year 7); in recent admissions data, over 2.3 applications were received for each place offered. Entry is determined by age, with siblings and looked-after children receiving priority, followed by distance from the school gates. There is no entrance examination or aptitude test for standard secondary entry.

The school operates within Sheffield City Council's coordinated admissions process. Families should verify the current distance criteria and eligibility through the LA website. The catchment is non-formal, meaning distance-based allocation can fluctuate annually depending on overall applications.

Sixth form entry (Year 12) is selective by grades. Students must typically achieve grade 5 or above in core subjects (English, Mathematics) and relevant GCSE results in their chosen A-level subjects. Entry is direct through the school, not through coordinated admissions. Around 430 students occupy the Sixth Form in any year, and Year 12 entry is open to external candidates as well as internal progressors, broadening diversity of the cohort.

Parents researching admissions should contact the school directly for specific distance data and timeline for open events, which typically occur in autumn term.

The pastoral structure places Form Tutors at the centre of daily contact, supported by Heads of Year and a Pastoral Deputy. This team knows individual students well and monitors wellbeing actively. Most pupils behave well in lessons and around school; little learning time is lost to disruption. Bullying is dealt with quickly and effectively when it occurs, a strength noted by Ofsted in 2022.

A dedicated school counsellor visits weekly, available for students who need additional emotional or mental health support. The school also employs a Pastoral Assistant and Pastoral Administrators to handle attendance, safeguarding concerns, and day-to-day pastoral logistics. New teachers benefit from structured induction and professional development, and staff are expected to maintain high expectations for pupil conduct while treating all students with respect.

The Catholic ethos underpins pastoral philosophy. Students are taught that respect, responsibility, and the dignity of each person are foundational. Daily prayer and regular liturgies reinforce these messages, and the school community celebrates key moments in the Catholic calendar collectively.

School day runs from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm. Transport options include local buses serving the Fulwood and Ranmoor areas, with the school being accessible from across Sheffield via public transport. Parking at the school site is limited and reserved for staff; families should plan travel accordingly. Uniform is compulsory: green polo shirt, school jumper, black tailored trousers, and black leather shoes. Jewellery rules are strict (studs only, plus a religious necklace if worn). The school operates a strict uniform code reflecting its Catholic character and community values.

Lunch can be purchased from the school dining facilities or brought from home. A range of meal options accommodates dietary requirements and preferences. The school website contains full details of uniform specifications, lunch menus, and term dates.

Catholic commitment expected. The school's Catholic ethos is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, regular Mass attendance, and explicitly Catholic religious education are central. Families uncomfortable with this commitment, or whose faith tradition is significantly different, should consider whether the school's religious culture aligns with their values before applying.

Oversubscription and distance criteria. With over 2 applications per place, entry is competitive. Living close to the school significantly improves chances of a place, but proximity is not guaranteed. Families considering application should verify current distance thresholds and consider this uncertainty when planning school choices.

Behavioural expectations. While behaviour is generally very good, the school maintains rigorous expectations around uniform, conduct, and punctuality. Students who struggle with structured environments or who resist clear codes of conduct may find the atmosphere constraining.

Sixth Form selectivity. While progression from Year 11 is strong, not all students are offered Year 12 places. GCSE grades matter significantly for A-level entry. Families planning Sixth Form progression should understand that threshold GCSE results (typically grade 5 or above) are expected.

Notre Dame delivers a well-rounded Catholic education within a state comprehensive framework, combining genuine faith integration with academic ambition and inclusive community. GCSE and A-level outcomes sit solidly above England averages, supported by strong pastoral foundations and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school has successfully balanced tradition (its 170-year heritage rooted in Catholic education) with contemporary practice (investment in learning resources, diverse student voice, sustainable buildings). Most students thrive and progress to meaningful next steps. The school suits families who value Catholic identity, who appreciate structure and clear expectations, and who want their children educated in a genuinely inclusive but values-driven community. The main barrier to entry is oversubscription; once students secure places, the educational experience is notably strong.