The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 30.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2024
- 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
30.2
13.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
11%
30.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
29%
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
84%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
76%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 131 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 30 days per year on average — over a month of school.
44% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
10% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 22 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 58 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 757
- Capacity
- 72%
- FSM
- 48%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Knowsley
- Trust
- POPE FRANCIS CATHOLIC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Clare McKenna
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Boarding
- Not applicable
Inspection record
Official linksMonitoring visit
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Cumber Lane, Whiston, Prescot, Merseyside, L35 2XG
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Luke's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 672m away
Whiston Willis Primary Academy
Primary · 677m away
St Leo's and Southmead Catholic Primary School Serving the Community
Primary · 936m away
Longton Lane Community Primary School
Primary · 947m away
Halsnead Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
St Ann's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
St Mary and St Paul's CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Oakdene Primary Academy
Primary · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy a selective school?
No. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy's Ofsted rating?
Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in July 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy?
Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy currently has 757 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy take?
Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy?
Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy is in Prescot, L35 2XG, in the Knowsley local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy have a sixth form?
No, Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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