SchoolScoresNicholas Breakspear Catholic School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of THE DIOCESE OF WESTMINSTER ACADEMY TRUST
Colney Heath Lane, St Albans, AL4 0TT
01727 860079 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 14 November 2023.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
184 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
St Albans comparisons use the 8 of its 9 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other one has no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | St Albans | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 1st highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in St Albans. Higher than 98% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 98% | 94% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 1st highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in St Albans. Higher than 97% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 99% | 95% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 1st highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in St Albans. Higher than 99% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 99% | 93% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 46 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 2nd highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in St Albans. Higher than 97% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 72% | 58% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 109 parents who had raised a concern 1st highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in St Albans. Higher than 99% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 94% | 84% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 1st highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in St Albans. Higher than 98% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 98%said yes | 93% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. St Albans figures pool parents at the St Albans schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
175 pupils in this year group.
65% — 11 points above the Hertfordshire average, and 19 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 65% | 53% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 56.4 | 50.6 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 5.3 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
179 pupils in this year group.
97% — 2 points above the Hertfordshire average, and 5 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 97% | 95% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 65% | 58% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 1% | 2% | 13% |
| Further education college | 27% | 31% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 0% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 94% | 97% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
77 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 20% | 29% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 55% | 58% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 35.8 | 36.8 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
21 subjects, 205 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | 23 | 0% | 26% | 23% |
| Psychology | 22 | 0% | 9% | 19% |
| Business Studies:Single | 20 | 10% | 20% | 16% |
| Sociology | 19 | 5% | 11% | 20% |
| Mathematics | 18 | 11% | 39% | 40% |
| Government and Politics | 16 | 0% | 13% | 26% |
| Physics | 15 | 0% | 27% | 31% |
| Chemistry | 11 | 0% | 27% | 30% |
| English Literature | 10 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Geography | 10 | 0% | 30% | 23% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 7 | 0% | 14% | 38% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 7 | 14% | 43% | 59% |
| Art and Design (3d Studies) | 6 | 0% | 0% | 28% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Physical Education / Sports Studies, Polish, Biology, Drama and Theatre Studies, Religious Studies, Music, Russian, Spanish.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
60 students in this year group.
80% — 2 points below the Hertfordshire average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 80% | 82% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 5% | 6% | 7% |
| Work | 12% | 28% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 92% | 80% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
39 students in this year group.
67% — 4 points above the Hertfordshire average, and 7 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 67% | 63% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 21% | 24% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 70% | 67% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Hertfordshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 1 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 170 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 194 |
| Of those, offered a place | 156 (80%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 623 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.1 · 2025: 1.4 · 2026: 1.1
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 6th highest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Higher than 10% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.1% | 17.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 1st highest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Higher than 66% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.6% | 3.0%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 7th highest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Higher than 41% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.5% | 13.2%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 1st highest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Higher than 81% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 32.4% | 15.4%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Lower than 96% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 4.7% | 7.8%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 1st lowest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Lower than 96% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 10.0% | 21.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 5th lowest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Lower than 78% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 6.3 | 13.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 7th lowest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Lower than 69% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 4.6% | 5.6% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.12% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 3rd highest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Higher than 43% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.5 | 16.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 3rd highest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Higher than 68% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.6 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 4th highest of 9 state secondary schools in St Albans. Higher than 43% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 12.1% | 12.7%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Beaumont School 0.7 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 74% grade 5+ English and maths
- Samuel Ryder Academy 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 strong, 2 expected · 70% grade 5+ English and maths
- Verulam School 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2018), confirmed 2024 · 55% grade 5+ English and maths
- Loreto College 1.8 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 59% grade 5+ English and maths
- Sandringham School 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024) · 84% grade 5+ English and maths
- St Albans Independent College 1.9 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 13% A*/A at A level
- St Albans High School for Girls 2.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 72% A*/A at A level
- St Albans Girls' School 2.4 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 70% grade 5+ English and maths
- St Albans School 2.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 58% A*/A at A level
- St Columba's College 2.7 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 42% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School's Ofsted rating?
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 14 November 2023.
How did Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 65% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 19 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School?
98% of the 184 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 194 families put Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School as their first choice for 170 places: about 1 first-choice applications for every place. 156 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 137938.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.