The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 52.6 vs national 43.8)
- This school does not have a sixth form
- The school is at capacity (101% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
52.6
8.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
57%
14.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
24%
Source: 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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
86%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 251 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
19% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 127 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,285
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 13.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Stockport
- Trust
- THE LAURUS TRUST
- Head
- Miss Rachel Howarth (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksAcademy conversion letter
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Priestnall Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire, SK4 3HP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFreshfield Nursery School
Nursery · 320m away
St John's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 536m away
Didsbury Road Primary School
Primary · 600m away
St Winifred's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 602m away
Stella Maris School
Independent · 695m away
Mersey Vale Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Norris Bank Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Willow Bank Independent School
Independent · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Priestnall School a selective school?
No. Priestnall School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Priestnall School?
Priestnall School currently has 1,285 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Priestnall School take?
Priestnall School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Priestnall School?
Priestnall School is in Stockport, SK4 3HP, in the Stockport local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Priestnall School have a sixth form?
No, Priestnall School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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