SchoolScoresThe McAuley Catholic High School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of THE MCAULEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Cantley Lane, Cantley, Doncaster, DN3 3QF
01302 537396 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 5 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 | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
120 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Doncaster comparisons use the 11 of its 22 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 11 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 | Doncaster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 1st highest of 11 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Doncaster. Higher than 67% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 88% | 74% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 2nd highest of 11 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Doncaster. Higher than 49% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 86% | 77% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 1st highest of 11 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Doncaster. Higher than 56% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 81% | 69% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 53 parents whose child had been bullied 1st highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Doncaster. Higher than 59% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 53% | 40% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 92 parents who had raised a concern 1st highest of 11 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Doncaster. Higher than 77% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 80% | 58% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 1st highest of 11 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Doncaster. Higher than 58% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 83%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. Doncaster figures pool parents at the Doncaster 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
231 pupils in this year group.
35% — 9 points below the Doncaster average, and 11 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Doncaster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 35% | 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. | 42.5 | 44.6 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 3.3 | 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.
269 pupils in this year group.
93% — 5 points above the Doncaster average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Doncaster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 93% | 88% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 59% | 29% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 6% | 18% | 13% |
| Further education college | 22% | 31% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 4% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 93% |
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
106 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Doncaster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 13% | 22% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 37% | 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. | 30.1 | 33.4 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
24 subjects, 232 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 26 | 8% | 38% | 40% |
| Physics | 19 | 5% | 16% | 31% |
| Biology | 16 | 6% | 13% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 16 | 6% | 19% | 30% |
| Psychology | 16 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
| English Language | 15 | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| Sociology | 15 | 0% | 13% | 20% |
| Economics | 13 | 0% | 15% | 26% |
| English Literature | 10 | 0% | 10% | 23% |
| History | 10 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 9 | 0% | 11% | 19% |
| Government and Politics | 9 | 11% | 11% | 26% |
| Geography | 8 | 0% | 13% | 23% |
| Religious Studies | 8 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 7 | 14% | 14% | 38% |
| Environmental Science | 7 | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| Art and Design (Photography) | 6 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Business Studies:Single | 6 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Polish | 6 | 0% | 33% | 66% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Mathematics (Further), Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu.
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.
128 students in this year group.
86% — 13 points above the Doncaster average, and 7 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Doncaster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 86% | 73% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 6% | 10% | 7% |
| Work | 23% | 31% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 91% | 86% |
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.
111 students in this year group.
74% — 24 points above the Doncaster average, and 14 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Doncaster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 74% | 50% | 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 |
|---|---|
| 79% | 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 Doncaster. 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 | 199 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 168 |
| Of those, offered a place | 168 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 369 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.7 · 2025: 0.8 · 2026: 0.8
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 | Doncaster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 13th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Higher than 57% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 29.8% | 32.8%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 20th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Higher than 9% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 1.0% | 2.3%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 11th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Higher than 42% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.6% | 12.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 3rd highest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Higher than 66% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 19.3% | 12.4%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 16th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Lower than 39% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 8.9% | 8.0%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 17th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Lower than 24% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 28.6% | 23.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 11th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Lower than 16% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 40.1 | 47.3 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 12th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Lower than 11% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 15.0% | 12.3% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded2 pupils | 0.14% | 0.31% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 15th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Higher than 50% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.8 | 17.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 4th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Higher than 78% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.1 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 13th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Doncaster. Higher than 26% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 9.6% | 13.6%* | 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
- New College Doncaster 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Not yet inspected · B- average A level grade
- The Hayfield School 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2014), confirmed 2023 · 61% grade 5+ English and maths
- Outwood Academy Danum 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 43% grade 5+ English and maths
- Armthorpe Academy 2.2 miles · Ofsted: Requires improvement (2024) · 29% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hill House School 2.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 36% A*/A at A level
- XP East 2.4 miles · Ofsted: Requires improvement (2024) · 23% grade 5+ English and maths
- XP School 2.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 28% grade 5+ English and maths
- Rossington All Saints Academy 2.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 56% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hall Cross Academy 2.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2014), confirmed 2023 · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is The McAuley Catholic High School's Ofsted rating?
The McAuley Catholic High School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 5 December 2023.
How did The McAuley Catholic High School 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 The McAuley Catholic High School?
83% of the 120 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend The McAuley Catholic High School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is The McAuley Catholic High School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 168 families put The McAuley Catholic High School as their first choice for 199 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 168 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 140865.
- 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.