SchoolScoresSt Philip Howard Catholic School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of BOSCO CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Elm Grove South, Barnham, Bognor Regis, PO22 0EN
01243 552055 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 14 April 2026 , published 19 May 2026.
In short: 6 strong, 1 expected, and safeguarding met.
Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. | Met |
| InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
212 pupils in this year group.
48% — 2 points above the West Sussex average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Sussex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 48% | 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. | 52.5 | 46.2 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.8 | 4.1 | 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.
194 pupils in this year group.
96% — 2 points above the West Sussex average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Sussex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 96% | 94% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 64% | 26% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 1% | 20% | 13% |
| Further education college | 26% | 41% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 1% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 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
138 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | West Sussex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 24% | 25% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 50% | 52% | 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. | 35.2 | 34.0 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
27 subjects, 371 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 52 | 17% | 37% | 40% |
| Psychology | 38 | 3% | 18% | 19% |
| Biology | 29 | 3% | 17% | 27% |
| Physics | 26 | 8% | 38% | 31% |
| Business Studies:Single | 23 | 4% | 26% | 16% |
| History | 21 | 5% | 24% | 23% |
| Chemistry | 20 | 5% | 30% | 30% |
| Geography | 19 | 0% | 26% | 23% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 15 | 0% | 27% | 24% |
| Religious Studies | 15 | 0% | 33% | 22% |
| Sociology | 14 | 0% | 21% | 20% |
| English Language | 13 | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 13 | 0% | 15% | 14% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 11 | 9% | 18% | 17% |
| English Literature | 10 | 0% | 20% | 23% |
| Government and Politics | 10 | 0% | 10% | 26% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 9 | 33% | 33% | 59% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 8 | 0% | 0% | 15% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 6 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Fine Art), Dance, Art and Design (Photography), Design and Technology (Textiles Technology), Film Studies, German, Music, 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.
103 students in this year group.
93% — 15 points above the West Sussex average, and 14 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Sussex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 93% | 78% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 9% | 6% | 7% |
| Work | 27% | 38% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 86% | 93% |
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.
79 students in this year group.
67% — 13 points above the West Sussex average, and 7 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Sussex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 67% | 54% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 30% | 14% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 79% | 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 West Sussex. 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 | 203 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 257 |
| Of those, offered a place | 195 (76%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 593 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.4 · 2025: 1.2 · 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 | West Sussex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 32nd highest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Higher than 11% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.4% | 17.9%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 10th highest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Higher than 71% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.9% | 3.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 27th highest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Higher than 65% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 15.8% | 16.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 7th highest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Higher than 64% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 18.1% | 11.6%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 5th lowest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Lower than 75% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.9% | 8.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 6th lowest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Lower than 80% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 16.6% | 23.5%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 7th lowest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Lower than 81% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.2 | 16.2 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 10th lowest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Lower than 76% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 3.8% | 5.9% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.17% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 13th highest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Higher than 61% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 17.3 | 17.0 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 14th highest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Higher than 54% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.0 | 11.5 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 25th highest of 40 state secondary schools in West Sussex. Higher than 21% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 8.7% | 12.0%* | 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
- Ormiston Six Villages Academy 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- Slindon College 2.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Felpham Community College 2.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2016), confirmed 2024 · 29% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St Philip Howard Catholic School's Ofsted rating?
St Philip Howard Catholic School was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 14 April 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 6 strong, 1 expected, and safeguarding was met.
How did St Philip Howard Catholic School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 48% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 2 points above the England average of 45%.
Is St Philip Howard Catholic School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 257 families put St Philip Howard Catholic School as their first choice for 203 places: about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. 195 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 144243.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- 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.