SchoolScoresSt John Fisher Catholic College
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Catholic · Sixth form
Part of ST GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
Ashfields New Road, Newcastle Under Lyme, ST5 2SJ
01782 307551 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Requires improvement at the inspection that started on 13 December 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 | Requires improvement |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Requires improvement |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Requires improvement |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
117 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
| Statement | This school | Newcastle-Under-Lyme | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 20% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 70% | 67% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 21% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 74% | 70% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 24% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 64% | 53% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 55 parents whose child had been bullied 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 29% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 42% | 34% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 100 parents who had raised a concern 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 37% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 65% | 55% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 28% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 69%said yes | 59% | 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. Newcastle-Under-Lyme figures pool parents at the Newcastle-Under-Lyme 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
198 pupils in this year group.
35% — 5 points below the Staffordshire average, and 11 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Staffordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 35% | 40% | 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. | 41.8 | 43.9 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 3.5 | 3.8 | 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.
199 pupils in this year group.
90% — 2 points below the Staffordshire average, and 2 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Staffordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 90% | 92% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 19% | 33% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 5% | 3% | 13% |
| Further education college | 59% | 46% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 5% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 90% |
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
40 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Staffordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 14% | 19% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 39% | 46% | 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. | 29.3 | 33.4 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
16 subjects, 104 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 20 | 0% | 15% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 18 | 6% | 11% | 30% |
| Mathematics | 16 | 6% | 25% | 40% |
| Psychology | 11 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
| Sociology | 10 | 0% | 10% | 20% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 6 | 0% | 33% | 59% |
| Physics | 6 | 0% | 0% | 31% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: English Literature, English Language, Design and Technology (Product Design), Business Studies:Single, Classical Civilisation, Government and Politics, History, Polish, Religious Studies.
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.
73 students in this year group.
88% — 7 points above the Staffordshire average, and 9 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Staffordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 88% | 81% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 11% | 7% |
| Work | 18% | 33% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 87% | 88% |
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.
64 students in this year group.
81% — 29 points above the Staffordshire average, and 21 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Staffordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 81% | 52% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 17% | 11% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 80% | 81% |
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 Staffordshire. 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 fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 127 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 92 |
| Of those, offered a place | 92 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 277 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.8 · 2025: 0.7 · 2026: 0.7
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 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 | Staffordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 36% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 21.8% | 22.7%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 34% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.3% | 2.3%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 54% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 14.3% | 13.4%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 78% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 29.3% | 7.6%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Lower than 70% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.2% | 7.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Lower than 77% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 17.6% | 20.8%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 2nd lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Lower than 22% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 32.1 | 18.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 2nd lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Lower than 22% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.2% | 7.0% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded3 pupils | 0.27% | 0.31% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 76% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.1 | 17.3 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 74% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.9 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Higher than 68% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 16.7% | 13.9%* | 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
- Demetae Academy 0.7 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Newcastle-under-Lyme School 0.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 39% A*/A at A level
- The Orme Academy 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 35% grade 5+ English and maths
- Newcastle Academy 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 32% grade 5+ English and maths
- Chesterton Community Sports College 1.7 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 23% grade 5+ English and maths
- Thistley Hough Academy 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 5 expected, 1 needs attention · 52% grade 5+ English and maths
- Phoenix Independent School 2.0 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Clayton Hall Academy 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 39% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Registry 2.1 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Excellence Girls Academy 2.4 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024)
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St John Fisher Catholic College's Ofsted rating?
St John Fisher Catholic College was rated Requires improvement by Ofsted at its inspection in 13 December 2023.
How did St John Fisher Catholic College do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 35% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 11 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend St John Fisher Catholic College?
69% of the 117 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend St John Fisher Catholic College to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is St John Fisher Catholic College oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 92 families put St John Fisher Catholic College as their first choice for 127 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 92 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 140802.
- 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.