SchoolScoresSt Paul's Catholic School
Voluntary aided school · Secondary, ages 11 to 19 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Phoenix Drive, Leadenhall, Milton Keynes, MK6 5EN
01908 669735 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 15 March 2016.
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 | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 14 May 2025: Ofsted found the school had maintained its standards.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
115 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Milton Keynes comparisons use the 10 of its 17 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 7 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 | Milton Keynes | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 2nd highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Milton Keynes. Higher than 79% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 84% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 3rd highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Milton Keynes. Higher than 71% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 87% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 3rd highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Milton Keynes. Higher than 70% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 86% | 79% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 51 parents whose child had been bullied 3rd highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Milton Keynes. Higher than 82% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 61% | 54% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 96 parents who had raised a concern 1st highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Milton Keynes. Higher than 92% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 87% | 75% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 30 parents of children with SEND 1st highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Milton Keynes. Higher than 91% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 83% | 58% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 4th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Milton Keynes. Higher than 70% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 87%said yes | 83% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 6%). 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. Milton Keynes figures pool parents at the Milton Keynes 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
306 pupils in this year group.
38% — 7 points below the Milton Keynes average, and 8 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Milton Keynes | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 38% | 44% | 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. | 44.9 | 44.2 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.1 | 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.
282 pupils in this year group.
96% — 3 points above the Milton Keynes average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Milton Keynes | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 96% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 67% | 50% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 25% | 36% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | Not published | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 1% | 2% | 3% |
"Not published": Not published (DfE code SP).
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 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
150 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Milton Keynes | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C | C | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 14% | 17% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 34% | 40% | 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. | 29.0 | 30.4 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
30 subjects, 391 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 37 | 5% | 27% | 40% |
| Psychology | 35 | 0% | 11% | 19% |
| Biology | 29 | 3% | 7% | 27% |
| Business Studies:Single | 29 | 0% | 3% | 16% |
| Chemistry | 25 | 8% | 20% | 30% |
| Sociology | 25 | 0% | 12% | 20% |
| Economics | 21 | 0% | 10% | 26% |
| Religious Studies | 21 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| English Literature | 18 | 6% | 11% | 23% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 15 | 0% | 13% | 38% |
| Government and Politics | 14 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Physics | 14 | 0% | 29% | 31% |
| History | 12 | 0% | 8% | 23% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 11 | 9% | 18% | 59% |
| English Language and Literature | 10 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Film Studies | 10 | 0% | 10% | 17% |
| Geography | 10 | 10% | 10% | 23% |
| Design and Technology (Engineering) | 8 | 0% | 13% | 10% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 7 | 0% | 29% | 24% |
| Polish | 7 | 0% | 71% | 66% |
| Italian | 6 | 0% | 67% | – |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Photography), Design and Technology (Product Design), Design and Technology (Textiles Technology), French, Portuguese, Physical Education / Sports Studies, Spanish, German, 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.
198 students in this year group.
88% — 6 points above the Milton Keynes average, and 9 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Milton Keynes | 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% | 82% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 6% | 7% | 7% |
| Work | 13% | 32% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 92% | 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.
191 students in this year group.
83% — 23 points above the Milton Keynes average, and 23 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Milton Keynes | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 83% | 60% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 16% | 14% | 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 Milton Keynes. 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 one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 258 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 274 |
| Of those, offered a place | 217 (79%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 568 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 1.2 · 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
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision and a SEN unit with 90 places for visual impairment; Hearing impairment; Speech, language and communication needs; Autism; Social, emotional and mental health needs; Moderate learning difficulties. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Milton Keynes | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 7th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Higher than 55% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 29.0% | 26.6%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 1st highest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Higher than 85% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 5.1% | 2.3%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 7th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Higher than 46% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 13.1% | 12.3%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 1st highest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Higher than 96% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 61.2% | 25.5%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 4th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Lower than 76% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.8% | 8.4%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 4th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Lower than 76% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 17.8% | 22.7%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 6th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Lower than 49% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 15.1 | 22.0 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 6th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Lower than 61% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.5% | 6.8% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.02% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 16th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Higher than 7% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 14.0 | 17.7 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 16th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Higher than 8% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 9.5 | 11.7 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 10th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Milton Keynes. Higher than 48% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 12.9% | 14.3%* | 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.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- The Milton Keynes Academy 0.2 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 34% grade 5+ English and maths
- Baytul Ilm Secondary School 1.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Denbigh School 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), confirmed 2024 · 68% grade 5+ English and maths
- Lord Grey Academy 1.9 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 7 expected · 41% grade 5+ English and maths
- Shenley Brook End School 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2015), confirmed 2024 · 44% grade 5+ English and maths
- Oakgrove School 2.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), confirmed 2024 · 67% grade 5+ English and maths
- Kents Hill Park all-through school 2.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 56% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Webber Independent School 2.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- The Hazeley Academy 2.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2015), confirmed 2024 · 42% grade 5+ English and maths
- Stantonbury School 2.5 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 3 expected, 1 needs attention, 3 urgent improvement · 26% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St Paul's Catholic School's Ofsted rating?
St Paul's Catholic School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 15 March 2016. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 14 May 2025, Ofsted found the school had maintained its standards.
How did St Paul's Catholic School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 38% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 8 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend St Paul's Catholic School?
87% of the 115 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend St Paul's Catholic School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is St Paul's Catholic School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 274 families put St Paul's Catholic School as their first choice for 258 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 217 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 110517.
- 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.