The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2017).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2017
- 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
51.1
7.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
46%
4.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
46%
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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
88%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 156 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
13% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 58 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 824
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 14.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Stockport
- Head
- Mr Anthony Pontifex (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
March 2017 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
April 2012 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
November 2007 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
March 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
September 2001 | Full Inspection
Location
St James' Way, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 6PZ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmThorn Grove Primary School
Primary · 510m away
Ivy Cottage Residential School
Independent · 652m away
Cheadle Hulme High School
Secondary · 917m away
Willow House School
Independent · 955m away
Cheadle Hulme School
Independent · 1.0km away
Royal School, Manchester
Special school · 1.0km away
Royal College Manchester (Seashell Trust)
Special school · 1.0km away
Hursthead Infant School
Primary · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is St James' Catholic High School a selective school?
No. St James' Catholic High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St James' Catholic High School's Ofsted rating?
St James' Catholic High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St James' Catholic High School?
St James' Catholic High School currently has 824 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St James' Catholic High School take?
St James' Catholic High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St James' Catholic High School?
St James' Catholic High School is in Cheadle, SK8 6PZ, in the Stockport local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St James' Catholic High School have a sixth form?
No, St James' Catholic High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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