The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2014).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 50.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2014
- 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
50.9
7.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
50%
8.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
49%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.29
Band 4Source: 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
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
91%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 175 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
17% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 78 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
- 1,121
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 14%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- THE DIOCESE OF WESTMINSTER ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Edward Conway (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
High Elms Lane, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 0SS
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Saint Michael's Catholic High School a selective school?
No. Saint Michael's Catholic High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Saint Michael's Catholic High School's Ofsted rating?
Saint Michael's Catholic High School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Saint Michael's Catholic High School?
Saint Michael's Catholic High School currently has 1,121 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Saint Michael's Catholic High School take?
Saint Michael's Catholic High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Saint Michael's Catholic High School?
Saint Michael's Catholic High School is in Watford, WD25 0SS, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Saint Michael's Catholic High School have a sixth form?
Yes, Saint Michael's Catholic High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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