SchoolScoresSt Paul's Catholic College
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of ASCENSION CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
Manor Lane, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 6JE
01932 783811 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 31 October 2017. This inspection was of the school before it changed to its current form (for example, before becoming an academy).
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 |
| Outcomes for pupils | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 31 January 2024: Ofsted found the school was still Outstanding.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
261 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025.
Surrey comparisons use the 32 of its 63 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 31 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 | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school Joint 3rd highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 94% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 96% | 89% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 6th highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 90% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 96% | 92% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 5th highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 94% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 95% | 87% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 80 parents whose child had been bullied 19th highest of 30 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 66% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 55% | 56% | 50% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 172 parents who had raised a concern Joint 5th highest of 31 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 94% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 88% | 80% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent Joint 4th highest of 32 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Surrey. Higher than 95% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 96%said yes | 88% | 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. Surrey figures pool parents at the Surrey 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
209 pupils in this year group.
75% — 20 points above the Surrey average, and 30 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 75% | 55% | 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. | 61.8 | 50.8 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 5.8 | 4.5 | 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.
202 pupils in this year group.
98% — 4 points above the Surrey average, and 6 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 98% | 94% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 66% | 29% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 2% | 32% | 13% |
| Further education college | 26% | 26% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 1% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 98% | 98% |
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
125 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 30% | 30% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 64% | 59% | 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. | 38.3 | 37.2 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
22 subjects, 314 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 47 | 23% | 49% | 40% |
| Psychology | 35 | 6% | 26% | 19% |
| Biology | 31 | 6% | 16% | 27% |
| History | 27 | 4% | 26% | 23% |
| Sociology | 25 | 0% | 12% | 20% |
| Business Studies:Single | 24 | 13% | 38% | 16% |
| Physics | 22 | 9% | 32% | 31% |
| Chemistry | 17 | 0% | 24% | 30% |
| Geography | 12 | 8% | 25% | 23% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 8 | 0% | 13% | 19% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 8 | 63% | 88% | 59% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 8 | 0% | 50% | 14% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 7 | 0% | 29% | 24% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 7 | 0% | 29% | 15% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 6 | 0% | 17% | 38% |
| Spanish | 6 | 33% | 33% | 34% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Photography), Physical Education / Sports Studies, English Language, English Literature, 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.
123 students in this year group.
89% — 7 points above the Surrey average, and 10 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 89% | 82% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 5% | 7% |
| Work | 24% | 32% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 89% |
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.
119 students in this year group.
74% — 9 points above the Surrey average, and 14 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 74% | 65% | 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 |
|---|---|
| 76% | 74% |
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 Surrey. 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 | 210 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 267 |
| Of those, offered a place | 189 (71%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 794 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.2 · 2025: 1.3 · 2026: 1.3
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 | Surrey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Higher than 13% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 13.5% | 15.3%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Higher than 38% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.5% | 3.6%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Higher than 28% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.0% | 13.5%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Higher than 74% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 25.5% | 12.8%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Lower than 98% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 4.2% | 7.3%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Lower than 99% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.0% | 18.6%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Lower than 85% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 4.4 | 14.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Lower than 85% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 2.7% | 5.8% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded1 pupil | 0.07% | 0.15% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Higher than 65% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 17.5 | 16.7 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Higher than 83% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.5 | 12.2 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Sunbury-on-Thames. Higher than 21% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 8.8% | 14.7%* | 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
- Sunbury Manor School 0.3 miles · Ofsted: Not yet inspected · 22% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Bishop Wand CofE School 0.6 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 3 strong, 4 expected · 61% grade 5+ English and maths
- Heathside Walton-on-Thames 1.3 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025)
- The St Michael Steiner School 1.6 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- The Beech House School 1.6 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Thamesmead School 1.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2012), confirmed 2022 · 51% grade 5+ English and maths
- Reach Academy Hanworth Park 2.0 miles · Ofsted: No graded inspection
- Reach Academy Feltham 2.0 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 75% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hampton High 2.0 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 37% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hampton School 2.1 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 71% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St Paul's Catholic College's Ofsted rating?
St Paul's Catholic College was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 31 October 2017. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 31 January 2024, Ofsted found the school was still Outstanding.
How did St Paul's Catholic College do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 75% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 30 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend St Paul's Catholic College?
96% of the 261 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025 said they would recommend St Paul's Catholic College to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is St Paul's Catholic College oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 267 families put St Paul's Catholic College as their first choice for 210 places: about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. 189 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 149290.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 1 January 2024 to 6 January 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.