SchoolScoresSacred Heart Catholic High School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Girls only · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of BISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Fenham Hall Drive, Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 9YH
0191 274 7373 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
At the inspection that started on 3 December 2024, Ofsted graded each area separately. It stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
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
92 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne comparisons use the 16 of its 22 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 6 have 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 | Newcastle-upon-Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 6th highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 67% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 88% | 81% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 5th highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 75% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92% | 84% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 3rd highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 82% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 90% | 77% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 38 parents whose child had been bullied 4th highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 66% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 55% | 45% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 73 parents who had raised a concern 3rd highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 79% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 81% | 67% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 23 parents of children with SEND 3rd highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 91% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 83% | 68% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 4th highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 77% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 89%said yes | 76% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 7%). 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. Newcastle-upon-Tyne figures pool parents at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne 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
224 pupils in this year group.
54% — 8 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 8 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 54% | 46% | 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. | 52.1 | 43.9 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.4 | 3.9 | 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.
224 pupils in this year group.
96% — 10 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 96% | 86% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 62% | 39% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| Further education college | 29% | 39% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 98% | 96% |
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
123 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 20% | 24% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 50% | 50% | 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. | 35.4 | 33.5 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
28 subjects, 315 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Studies | 37 | 0% | 14% | 22% |
| Sociology | 33 | 0% | 12% | 20% |
| Psychology | 25 | 20% | 36% | 19% |
| Biology | 22 | 14% | 27% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 19 | 0% | 5% | 30% |
| Geography | 15 | 13% | 13% | 23% |
| History | 15 | 0% | 20% | 23% |
| Business Studies:Single | 14 | 7% | 29% | 16% |
| Government and Politics | 14 | 7% | 14% | 26% |
| Mathematics | 14 | 7% | 36% | 40% |
| Film Studies | 13 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| English Literature | 12 | 25% | 42% | 23% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 9 | 0% | 11% | 38% |
| Economics | 9 | 0% | 44% | 26% |
| English Language | 9 | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 7 | 0% | 14% | 24% |
| English Language and Literature | 7 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Art and Design (3d Studies) | 6 | 50% | 83% | 28% |
| Spanish | 6 | 0% | 17% | 34% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Textiles), Physics, Drama and Theatre Studies, French, Physical Education / Sports Studies, Mathematics (Further), Art and Design (Photography), Design and Technology (Product Design), Music.
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.
142 students in this year group.
90% — 16 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 11 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 90% | 74% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 7% | 9% | 7% |
| Work | 15% | 29% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 90% | 90% |
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.
146 students in this year group.
83% — 34 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 23 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 83% | 49% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 28% | 11% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 80% | 83% |
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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 1.5 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 225 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 322 |
| Of those, offered a place | 210 (65%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 575 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.5 · 2025: 1.4 · 2026: 1.4
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 | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 11th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 73% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 37.8% | 43.3%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 19th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 22% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 1.8% | 3.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 10th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 60% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 15.2% | 14.6%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 8th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 69% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 21.6% | 24.0%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 12th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 30% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 9.5% | 9.7%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 10th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 35% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 26.4% | 25.4%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 7th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 53% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.5 | 42.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 8th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 61% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.4% | 10.1% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.34% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 16th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 18% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 15.1 | 16.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 14th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 37% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.3 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 10th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 27% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 9.8% | 10.1%* | 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
- Dame Allan's Schools 0.3 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 49% A*/A at A level
- Trinity Solutions Academy 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Not yet inspected
- St Cuthbert's High School 0.7 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 52% grade 5+ English and maths
- Bahr Academy 1.1 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Requires improvement (2025)
- Excelsior Academy 1.4 miles · Ofsted: Requires improvement (2024) · 24% grade 5+ English and maths
- Kenton School 1.5 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- Westfield School 1.7 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 18% A*/A at A level
- Studio West 1.8 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 28% grade 5+ English and maths
- Newcastle High School for Girls GDST 2.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 37% A*/A at A level
- North East Futures UTC 2.0 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 34% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Sacred Heart Catholic High School's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection in 3 December 2024, Ofsted graded each area separately; it stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
How did Sacred Heart Catholic High School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 54% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 8 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Sacred Heart Catholic High School?
89% of the 92 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Sacred Heart Catholic High School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Sacred Heart Catholic High School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 322 families put Sacred Heart Catholic High School as their first choice for 225 places: about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. 210 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 137708.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 3 September 2024 to 1 September 2025.
- 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.