The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- 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
41.5
2.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
29%
13.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
12%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.18
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
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
82%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
7%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 195 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 14 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 114 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
- 1,184
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 36.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Blackpool
- Trust
- THE BLESSED EDWARD BAMBER CATHOLIC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Simon Eccles (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
St Walburga's Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 7EQ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmChrist The King Catholic Academy
Primary · Very close
Boundary Primary School
Primary · 317m away
Layton Primary School
Primary · 570m away
Lancashire Alternative Provision
Independent · 1.1km away
Devonshire Primary Academy
Primary · 1.2km away
St Kentigern's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Tower Learning Centre Independent School
Independent · 1.5km away
Unity Academy Blackpool
All-through · Grammar · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is St Mary's Catholic Academy a selective school?
No. St Mary's Catholic Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St Mary's Catholic Academy's Ofsted rating?
St Mary's Catholic Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St Mary's Catholic Academy?
St Mary's Catholic Academy currently has 1,184 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St Mary's Catholic Academy take?
St Mary's Catholic Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St Mary's Catholic Academy?
St Mary's Catholic Academy is in Blackpool, FY3 7EQ, in the Blackpool local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St Mary's Catholic Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, St Mary's Catholic Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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