Catholic schools have been named as some of the best in the country by the prestigious annual Sunday Times Parent Power guide for the coming year. The ratings are based on a variety of factors, including exam results, year-on-year changes, and exceptional performance or provision in a specialism. Below is only a small selection of the Catholic schools rated highly.
Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
St Leonard’s Catholic School (pictured, chess), in Durham, is State Secondary School of the Year in the North East, State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, and Comprehensive School of the Year. The school, which is part of Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, was recently rated as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, and also by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI).
Chris Hammill, Headteacher, said: “Credit for these awards belongs to our entire community of families, pupils, teachers, support staff and governors. We are blessed to have such supportive families, and we would not have won these awards without their support. The awards recognise the incredible results of our students at A Level and GCSE as well as our equally strong enrichment offer and work in the wider community. All our work is underpinned by our core mission and belief that ‘all pupils are known and loved’ and this remains our constant focus for each and every pupil in our school.”
St Charles Catholic Primary School, Gosforth, is Primary School of the Year for the North East, and in 20th place nationally. The school, which is part of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, has 243 pupils, aged from Nursery to Year 6, along with 26 staff members.
Louise Nealings, Headteacher, said: “This is the second year running we have been named Primary School of the Year. We were delighted last year, but to be named for a second year is unbelievable. I am delighted for the children and staff.
“Everyone in school is passionate and wants to provide the best possible education for all of our children. We want to prepare our children academically – however, we want our children to have the best possible St Charles’ experience. This includes exceptional pastoral care, quality trips and visits, but also making lasting friendships and having fun along the way.”
Archdiocese of Liverpool
Holy Cross Catholic High School (pictured, class), in Chorley, is State 11–16 School of the Year. Headteacher Greg Lindley said of the school that teachers demonstrate passion and expertise in their subject areas, while the Senior Leadership Team focuses on sustainable, carefully measured improvements that support staff workload and professional development. Staff retention is exceptionally high, reflecting a culture where colleagues feel valued, trusted, and proud to be part of the school community.
He said: "To be awarded The Sunday Times State 11-16 School of the Year fills us with immense pride and appreciation. This prestigious award recognises the exceptional achievements of our pupils, in particular the significant number of excellence grades that have been achieved in many of our subject areas. It also acknowledges our relentless and deeply committed pursuit of excellence.
“Being honoured in this way is not only a celebration of our current success but also an inspiration to continue striving further. We are proud that our school has been recognised on such a national platform, and we look forward to building on this achievement in the years ahead.”
Diocese of Hallam
St Mary's Catholic High School, Chesterfield, is Comprehensive School of the Year for the East Midlands. The school, which is an academy trust, has also received outstanding ratings from both Ofsted and the CSI.
Maria Dengate, Headteacher, said: "A culture of inclusivity is at the heart of our school, enabling young people to flourish within our Catholic ethos. Outstanding academic excellence is achieved because, alongside the talents of superb staff, and pupils’ efforts, exceptional relationships and pastoral care ensure that our children feel valued as a unique creation of God. The partnership between home, school and parish is therefore at the heart of our school, and we strive together to ensure that our young people leave St Mary’s, equipped with the skills and moral compass to lead successful lives. Our academic success, so wonderfully recognised by this award, is borne out of this."
Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia
Bishop Vaughan Catholic School, Swansea, is rated the seventh best secondary school in Wales. Estyn has previously praised its effective teaching, strong Catholic values and culture of high expectations.
Diocese of Brentwood
St Thomas More's Catholic Primary School, Colchester, is Primary School of the Year in the Sunday Times's East Anglia region, and ranked 14th nationally. It is a centre of excellence for phonics teaching and is also involved in teacher training. Pupils benefit from an oracy programme, public speaking activities, and the school choir performs regularly.
Several other Catholic school also scored highly in the Sunday Times league tables - was yours one of them?
Find out where your school is ranked in the Sunday Times Parent Power guide
