St Gregory's Catholic High School: Faith, Family, and Excellence

Founded on the principles of service and community, St Gregory's Catholic High School in Great Sankey has established itself as a high-performing beacon within Warrington. With 2024 GCSE results placing it 2nd locally and in the top 25% of schools in England, the school balances academic rigour with a deeply embedded Catholic ethos. It serves around 1,200 students who benefit from a culture that emphasizes moral formation as much as mathematical competence.

The school motto, "One family, inspired by Christ", is not merely signage but the operating system of the school. Students and staff frequently refer to the "St Gregory's Family"; a sense of collective responsibility that makes the corridors feel purposeful and safe. The campus blends original 1980s architecture with significant modern additions, including a dedicated humanities block and upgraded science facilities.

Mr Ed McGlinchey has led the school since 2016. His leadership is characterised by high visibility and a clear insistence on standards. Under his tenure, the school has navigated from a challenging period to a position of strength, with the July 2024 Ofsted inspection confirming its status as a Good school.

Faith is woven into the daily rhythm. The school day begins with prayer, and the chaplaincy team is a central pillar of student support. Mass is celebrated regularly in the school chapel, and the liturgical year shapes the termly calendar. For Catholic families, this continuity between home, parish, and school is a key draw.

Academic performance is a clear strength. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.31, indicating that students achieve, on average, a third of a grade higher across all subjects than their peers with similar starting points nationally.

Ranked 1,123rd in England and 2nd in Warrington for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), St Gregory's sits comfortably in the top 25% of schools in England, placing it in the top 25% of schools in England.

The average Attainment 8 score of 51.8 significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9. Core subjects are particularly robust; the average English Baccalaureate (EBacc) point score is 4.64 (England average: 4.08), reflecting strong uptake and performance in sciences, languages, and humanities.

The curriculum is ambitious and broad, designed to keep doors open for sixth form and beyond. Teaching follows a structured model based on research principles, ensuring consistency across departments. Lessons typically begin with retrieval practice to cement prior knowledge before moving to new content.

Inspectors in 2024 noted that teachers present subject matter clearly and that pupils retain knowledge well over time. The school resists narrowing the curriculum too early; students study a full range of arts and technology subjects throughout Key Stage 3.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEND) is effective. The "Quality First Teaching" approach means that most needs are met within the mainstream classroom through expert adaptation, rather than through withdrawal.

Pastoral care is organised by year group, with each cohort supported by a Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Support Manager. This structure ensures that there is always a member of staff available to deal with immediate wellbeing concerns without being tied to a teaching timetable.

The "Sanctuary" provides a safe space for vulnerable students during unstructured times. Mental health support includes access to school counsellors and close links with external agencies. Bullying is treated seriously, with a focus on restorative justice that encourages students to understand the impact of their actions.

The extracurricular offer is extensive. Sport is a major feature, with competitive teams in rugby, football, and netball fielding strong squads against local schools. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels.

Music and drama are vibrant. The school production is a highlight of the academic year, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles. The chaplaincy team runs retreats and charity events, giving students opportunities to put their faith into action through service.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are expected to fund the uniform, which can be purchased from local suppliers, and contributions are requested for trips and some extracurricular activities.

St Gregory's is a Voluntary Aided school, meaning the Governing Body sets the admissions criteria. It is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 2.6 applications for every place, making it one of the most sought-after schools in Warrington.

Priority is given to baptised Catholic children living in designated parishes (such as St Oswald’s, St Joseph’s, and Sacred Heart) and those attending partner primary schools. Families applying under faith criteria must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and provide a baptism certificate by the 31 October deadline.

While the school welcomes children of other faiths and none, the reality of oversubscription means that non-Catholic applicants without a sibling link rarely secure places.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Located on Cromwell Avenue, the site is accessible via local bus routes, though traffic at peak times can be heavy. Uniform standards are high; blazers and ties are non-negotiable, and the school views uniform as a tool for equity.

Faith commitment: The Catholic ethos is pervasive. All students, regardless of background, are expected to attend Mass and participate in the religious life of the school. Families uncomfortable with explicit faith formation may find this environment challenging.

Oversubscription: Securing a place is difficult. Living near the school is often insufficient if you do not meet the faith criteria. Families should be realistic about their chances and have a backup plan.

No Sixth Form: This is an 11-16 school. Students must move to a college for A-levels. While transition support to local providers like Priestley College or Carmel College is excellent, it does mean another move at 16.

St Gregory's delivers a rigorous academic education wrapped in a supportive, values-driven culture. It produces young people who are not only well-qualified but also polite and community-minded. Best suited to families who value a structured, faith-based environment and want their children pushed to achieve their potential. The main challenge is getting in.