Blessed William Howard Catholic School Review 2026: Academic Strength and Catholic Character

Situated in the Rowley Park area of Stafford, Blessed William Howard Catholic School provides a secondary and post-16 education anchored in faith and strong academic performance. The school consistently ranks as one of the highest-achieving state providers in the region, currently holding the top position in Stafford for GCSE outcomes according to FindMySchool rankings. With a capacity for 1,065 students, the school maintains a size that allows for a broad curriculum while preserving a community feel where individual progress is closely monitored.

Under the leadership of Mr Karl Brown, who was appointed as Principal in 2019, the school has reinforced its reputation for academic rigour and disciplined learning. As part of The Painsley Catholic Academy, Blessed William Howard benefits from shared expertise across a network of successful schools. The 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school as Good, with inspectors noting that the evidence gathered suggests the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded inspection were carried out now.

The atmosphere at Blessed William Howard is defined by a blend of traditional Catholic values and modern academic ambition. The school motto, Sola Virtus Invicta (Virtue alone is invincible), serves as the foundation for daily life. This religious character is integrated into the school's structure through daily prayer, regular liturgical celebrations, and a strong emphasis on service and social justice. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility toward their community, often participating in charitable initiatives that reflect Gospel values.

Physically, the school presents an environment of purposeful activity. The buildings on Rowley Avenue are well-maintained, providing a clear structure for the day. While the school is academically focused, it avoids the feeling of an exam factory by prioritising personal development and pastoral support. Students describe a community where they feel known and supported, with the Catholic ethos creating a shared sense of identity and belonging.

As part of The Painsley Catholic Academy, the school operates with high expectations for behaviour and attendance. The transition to the academy trust has brought a renewed focus on curriculum consistency and staff development. This partnership ensures that students have access to a wide range of opportunities while maintaining the specific Catholic character that many families seek.

Academic performance at Blessed William Howard is a significant draw for families in Stafford and the surrounding areas. The school ranks 776th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the position of 1st in Stafford among local state secondary schools. This places the school comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong band), indicating performance well above the England average.

In the most recent measurement period, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 54.5, which is notably higher than the England average of 46.2. The Progress 8 score of +0.41 is particularly impressive; it indicates that students here make significantly more progress between the end of primary school and the completion of their GCSEs than students of similar abilities elsewhere in England.

At the post-16 level, the school remains a solid choice for A-level study. It ranks 1,190th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which represents a solid performance in line with the middle 35% of England schools (25th to 60th percentile). Nearly half of all A-level entries (48%) achieved grades A* to B, providing students with the credentials needed to access competitive higher education courses.

Teaching at Blessed William Howard is characterised by subject expertise and clear structures. The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, ensuring that students develop a strong foundation in core subjects while exploring creative and technical fields. In the secondary phase, there is a significant emphasis on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, with 38.7% of students achieving grades 5 or above in this suite of subjects, reflecting a commitment to academic breadth.

The Painsley Catholic Academy’s influence is visible in the way the curriculum is sequenced, ensuring that knowledge is built incrementally from Year 7 through to Year 13. Teachers use assessment effectively to identify gaps in understanding, providing targeted support where necessary. In the Sixth Form, the approach shifts toward greater independence, with students encouraged to take ownership of their learning in preparation for university or professional life.

Where Students Go Next

For students at Blessed William Howard, the progression pathway is clearly defined. Following the completion of GCSEs, a substantial number of students choose to remain at the school to join the Sixth Form, drawn by the continuity of pastoral care and the proven track record of A-level results.

For the 2024 leavers, 52% of the cohort progressed to university. The school’s pipeline to higher education is established, with students regularly securing places at diverse institutions across the country. Additionally, 35% of the 2024 cohort entered employment, highlighting the school’s effectiveness in preparing students for various post-18 routes, including those who prefer immediate entry into the workforce or professional training. While the school is academically focused, the high percentage of students moving into employment suggests a pragmatic approach to careers guidance that values all successful outcomes.

Admissions to Blessed William Howard are coordinated by Staffordshire Local Authority. As a Catholic school, the governing body is the admission authority, and they apply specific faith-based criteria if the school is oversubscribed. Priority is given to baptised Catholic children, particularly those attending feeder Catholic primary schools within the Stafford area.

Competition for places is high. Recent data shows the school is oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 2.12, meaning there are more than two applications for every available place. In the last measurement period, the school made 180 offers from a pool of 381 applications.

Families who are not of the Catholic faith are welcome to apply, and many do, attracted by the school's results and discipline. However, it is essential to understand that when the school is full, places for non-Catholic applicants are limited. Parents are encouraged to complete the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the local authority application to ensure their faith status is correctly recorded.

The pastoral system is a pillar of the school's identity, rooted in the belief that every student is a unique individual. The school is organised into a house system, which fosters a sense of healthy competition and belonging. Each student has a form tutor who serves as the primary point of contact for both academic and personal matters, ensuring that no student feels lost in the larger school population.

Wellbeing is supported through a structured programme of Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education, which is delivered within the context of Catholic teachings. The school provides access to mental health support and counselling for those who need it, and there is a clear, zero-tolerance approach to bullying. The latest Ofsted inspection noted that pupils enjoy school and come across as happy, confident, and considerate.

The extracurricular life at Blessed William Howard is designed to complement the academic curriculum. Sport is a major feature, with the school utilising its Stafford location to compete regularly in local and regional fixtures. The PE department offers traditional sports such as football, netball, and rugby, alongside opportunities for athletics and cross-country.

The creative arts are also well-represented. The school choir and various musical ensembles perform at liturgical events and annual concerts, providing a stage for students to develop their talents. Drama productions are a highlight of the school calendar, often involving students from across different year groups.

STEM Excellence

STEM subjects are a clear area of strength and focus. The school encourages participation in national challenges, such as the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior and Senior Challenges, where students regularly achieve certificates. Science facilities are modern and well-equipped, allowing for a practical-heavy approach to the triple science and A-level pathways. The coding club and various technology-based projects ensure that students are prepared for the digital demands of the modern workplace.

The school day typically begins at 8:40 am and concludes at 3:20 pm for Years 7 to 11, and 3:15 pm for Years 12 and 13. Located on Rowley Avenue, the school is accessible via local bus routes serving the Stafford area, and many students walk from the surrounding Rowley Park and Castlefields neighbourhoods. For post-16 students, there is a dedicated Sixth Form centre that provides a more adult environment for study and socialising. Detailed information regarding uniform requirements and term dates is available on the official school website.

• Faith Commitment: The school’s Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere, as these are integral to the school's identity.
• Admissions Pressure: With a subscription proportion of over 2.0, securing a place is a challenge for those without strong faith or sibling links. Entry is competitive, and families should have a clear understanding of the oversubscription criteria.
• Sixth Form Scale: While the school offers a good range of A-levels, the Sixth Form cohort is smaller than that of a dedicated FE college. This provides a more intimate environment but may offer fewer niche subject combinations than larger providers.
• Academy Transition: Being part of The Painsley Catholic Academy means that some policies and curriculum decisions are made at a trust level. While this brings stability and resources, it means the school follows a standardised model used across several Staffordshire schools.

Blessed William Howard Catholic School is a high-performing, faith-based institution that consistently delivers strong academic results for the Stafford community. It successfully balances its religious identity with a modern, rigorous approach to education, making it a top choice for families seeking both moral and academic structure. It is best suited to students who will thrive in a disciplined, faith-oriented environment and families who value the community feel of a Catholic academy. The main challenge for prospective parents is navigating the competitive admissions process.