The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 56.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
56.4
12.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
65%
22.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
81%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.21
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
94%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
0%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
1%
Based on 179 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 9 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
9% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 82 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,097
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 12%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- THE DIOCESE OF WESTMINSTER ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Melanie Green (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection
October 2021 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Good
June 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
December 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
February 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
January 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
October 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
August 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Colney Heath Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0TT
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmLinks Academy
Academy · 379m away
Beaumont School
Secondary · 1.1km away
Oakwood Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Windermere Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Camp Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 1.4km away
Fleetville Infant and Nursery School
Primary · 1.7km away
Samuel Ryder Academy
All-through · Grammar · 1.8km away
Cunningham Hill Junior School
Primary · 1.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School a selective school?
No. Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School's Ofsted rating?
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in November 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School?
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School currently has 1,097 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School take?
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School?
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is in St Albans, AL4 0TT, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School have a sixth form?
Yes, Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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