St John Plessington Catholic College Review 2026: Faith and Community on the Wirral

St John Plessington Catholic College (SJP) sits in Bebington, serving a diverse catchment across the Wirral peninsula. As a Voluntary Academy within the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, it combines a distinct faith ethos with the scale of a large comprehensive. Despite the academically selective context of the Wirral—where grammar schools draw a significant portion of high-attaining students—SJP remains heavily oversubscribed, receiving two applications for every Year 7 place in 2024.

The school operates under the motto Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful), and this sense of constancy permeates the corridors. The "SJP Family" is a phrase frequently used by leadership and students alike, describing a culture where pastoral care is prioritised alongside academic delivery. Mr Peadar McLoughlin, appointed Headteacher in June 2023, oversees a community that feels settled and purposeful following its ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted in November 2022.

The campus blends modern additions with functional learning spaces. Facilities include a purpose-built sports hall and 3G AstroTurf pitch, which are hubs of activity well beyond the school day. The atmosphere is shaped by its Catholic character; morning prayers and regular Masses are central to the rhythm of the week, though the intake includes students of other faiths and none who support the ethos.

In the context of the Wirral’s selective education system, St John Plessington’s results reflect a mixed ability intake. In 2024, the school ranked 3,079th in England and 7th in Wirral for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking). This places performance in the national lower band, below the England average.

Specific metrics highlight areas of challenge and success. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 38.7, against an England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.35 indicates that, on average, students achieve around a third of a grade lower across subjects than peers with similar starting points nationally. However, the school maintains a broad curriculum, with 9.3% of students achieving a strong pass (Grade 5+) in the English Baccalaureate combination of subjects.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum but is enriched by the school’s specialist history as a Science College. Key Stage 3 covers a three-year breadth before students select options in Year 9.

Teaching is structured and consistent. Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a particular focus, with the Learning Support department working closely to ensure the curriculum is accessible. The school uses "Super Learning Days" to collapse the timetable and focus on specific themes, such as careers, citizenship, or faith development.

Where Students Go Next

Post-16 pathways are well-established. In 2024, 48% of leavers progressed to university. The school’s leavers also show a strong engagement with vocational routes; 11% started apprenticeships, and 29% moved directly into employment, reflecting the school’s strong careers advice programme.

Notably, despite the non-selective intake, the school supports high attainers to elite destinations. In 2024, the school celebrated one student securing a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that the academic ceiling here is high for motivated students.

Sixth Form

St John Plessington Sixth Form offers continuity for existing students and welcomes external applicants. It ranks 2,095th in England and 6th in Wirral for A-level outcomes. In 2024, 29.9% of grades were A*-B, and nearly 3% were A*.

The curriculum includes a blend of A-levels and BTEC qualifications, catering to diverse learner profiles. The dedicated Sixth Form Centre provides independent study areas, and students are expected to take on leadership roles within the main school, acting as mentors to younger students.

Admissions are coordinated by Wirral Borough Council. St John Plessington is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, 540 applications were received for 268 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 2.01.

Criteria prioritise Catholic children, particularly those who have attended feeder primary schools such as St John’s or St Werburgh’s. A Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is required for those applying under faith criteria. Non-Catholic local families often secure places based on distance, but the high demand means proximity is key.

Pastoral care is organised through a Year Group system, led by Heads of Learning. The school prides itself on knowing every child, a necessity in a school of over 1,500 students. The Chaplaincy team plays a vital role, providing a non-academic support network and a listening ear for students regardless of their religious background.

Behaviour is generally calm, supported by clear routines known as the "SJP Way". Attendance is closely monitored, with dedicated officers working with families to overcome barriers to school.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and often centred around sport and service. The PE department runs a busy schedule of fixtures, with teams competing locally in football, netball, and basketball.

Beyond sport, the "Eco-Warriors" group leads sustainability initiatives, while the Debate Mate club has seen students compete regionally. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver expeditions annually. Music and drama productions are highlights of the calendar, often performed to packed audiences in the main hall.

The school day begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:05pm. Situated on Old Chester Road, the school is well-connected by bus routes serving the Wirral and Chester. Spital and Bebington train stations are both within walking distance, making the school accessible for sixth formers traveling from further afield.

Selective Area Context: The Wirral uses a grammar school system. Parents comparing results should understand that SJP’s data reflects a comprehensive intake, unlike the selective schools nearby which skim the top 25% of academic achievers by ability.

Faith Commitment: While inclusive, this is a Catholic school. Students are expected to attend Mass and participate in the religious life of the college. Families seeking a purely secular education may find the integration of faith into daily life distinct.

Size and Scale: With nearly 1,800 students including the Sixth Form, the school is large. While pastoral systems are strong, quieter students will need to find their niche within the busy campus environment.

St John Plessington Catholic College offers a supportive, faith-centred education that serves its community well. It acts as a cohesive "family" in a competitive local landscape. While raw academic metrics sit below the England average, the school adds value through its pastoral warmth, apprenticeship pathways, and ability to launch top students to elite universities. Best suited to families seeking a grounded, values-led education where character development sits alongside the curriculum.