SchoolScoresThe King's (The Cathedral) School
Academy · All-through, ages 7 to 18 · Mixed · Church of England · Sixth form
Part of THE KING'S (THE CATHEDRAL) SCHOOL, PETERBOROUGH
Park Road, Peterborough, PE1 2UE
01733 751541 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 2 July 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
316 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025.
Peterborough comparisons use the 9 of its 17 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 8 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 | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 1st highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Peterborough. Higher than 94% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 96% | 75% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 1st highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Peterborough. Higher than 87% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 95% | 78% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 1st highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Peterborough. Higher than 86% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92% | 68% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 87 parents whose child had been bullied 2nd highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Peterborough. Higher than 59% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 53% | 40% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 207 parents who had raised a concern 1st highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Peterborough. Higher than 88% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 85% | 61% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 1st highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Peterborough. Higher than 91% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 94%said yes | 68% | 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. Peterborough figures pool parents at the Peterborough 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
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25
15 pupils in this year group.
80% — 19 points above the Peterborough average, and 18 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 80% | 61% | 62% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 13% | 5% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 100% | 72% | 75% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 80% | 71% | 72% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 93% | 73% | 74% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 110 | 104 | 106 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 106 | 104 | 105 |
Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
147 pupils in this year group.
76% — 36 points above the Peterborough average, and 30 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 76% | 39% | 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. | 63.2 | 43 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 5.7 | 3.6 | 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.
150 pupils in this year group.
99% — 7 points above the Peterborough average, and 7 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 99% | 92% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 83% | 49% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 13% | 37% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 0% | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 97% | 99% |
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
196 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 39% | 21% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 70% | 47% | 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. | 40.5 | 32.3 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
24 subjects, 608 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 83 | 17% | 49% | 40% |
| Chemistry | 79 | 9% | 37% | 30% |
| Biology | 70 | 10% | 41% | 27% |
| Psychology | 45 | 9% | 33% | 19% |
| English Literature | 36 | 6% | 28% | 23% |
| Physics | 34 | 21% | 59% | 31% |
| History | 29 | 0% | 21% | 23% |
| Economics | 28 | 4% | 25% | 26% |
| Geography | 28 | 7% | 39% | 23% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 23 | 17% | 43% | 38% |
| Classical Civilisation | 21 | 0% | 24% | 23% |
| Business Studies:Single | 20 | 10% | 35% | 16% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 18 | 44% | 72% | 59% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 17 | 6% | 35% | 24% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 13 | 0% | 15% | 17% |
| Design and Technology (Textiles Technology) | 12 | 8% | 25% | 19% |
| Religious Studies | 12 | 0% | 42% | 22% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 10 | 20% | 50% | 19% |
| French | 8 | 0% | 25% | 38% |
| English Language and Literature | 6 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Music | 6 | 17% | 33% | 29% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Design and Technology (Product Design), Art and Design (Photography), Polish.
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.
190 students in this year group.
92% — 15 points above the Peterborough average, and 13 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 92% | 77% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 7% | 7% |
| Work | 14% | 34% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 94% | 92% |
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.
183 students in this year group.
85% — 28 points above the Peterborough average, and 25 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 85% | 57% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 56% | 13% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 89% | 85% |
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 Peterborough. 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 3 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 127 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 366 |
| Of those, offered a place | 125 (34%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 701 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.9 · 2025: 3.3 · 2026: 2.9
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 Church of England 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 | Peterborough | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 17th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Higher than 12% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 13.3% | 32.8%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 7th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Higher than 63% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.5% | 2.5%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 17th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Higher than 4% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 4.7% | 10.1%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 13th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Higher than 44% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 10.0% | 27.5%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Lower than 93% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 5.1% | 8.2%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 2nd lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Lower than 79% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 17.1% | 24.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 2nd lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Lower than 85% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 4.3 | 29.6 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 2nd lowest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Lower than 82% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 3.1% | 9.3% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.29% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 3rd highest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Higher than 87% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.9 | 17.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 3rd highest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Higher than 79% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.2 | 11.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 2nd highest of 17 state secondary schools in Peterborough. Higher than 72% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 17.7% | 12.4%* | 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
- Thomas Deacon Academy 0.4 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 32% grade 5+ English and maths
- Greater Peterborough UTC 0.4 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 24% grade 5+ English and maths
- St John Fisher Catholic High School 0.7 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013, before conversion), confirmed 2023 · 39% grade 5+ English and maths
- City of Peterborough Academy 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 31% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Peterborough School 1.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 24% A*/A at A level
- Jack Hunt Academy 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 38% grade 5+ English and maths
- Manor Drive Secondary Academy 1.9 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025)
- Iqra Academy 2.0 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Queen Katharine Academy 2.2 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 23% grade 5+ English and maths
- Stanground Academy 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 43% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is The King's (The Cathedral) School's Ofsted rating?
The King's (The Cathedral) School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 2 July 2024.
How did The King's (The Cathedral) School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 76% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 30 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend The King's (The Cathedral) School?
94% of the 316 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025 said they would recommend The King's (The Cathedral) School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is The King's (The Cathedral) School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 366 families put The King's (The Cathedral) School as their first choice for 127 places: about 3 first-choice applications for every place. 125 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 136398.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 2 April 2024 to 7 April 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, Key stage 2 2024/25, 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.