The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 57.6 vs national 43.8)
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
- The school is at capacity (109% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
57.6
13.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
66%
24.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
68%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.28
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
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
95%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 183 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
14% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
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 79 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
- 8.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Headteacher Deirdre McHugh (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Windhill, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2NQ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWindhill21
Primary · Very close
White Trees Independent School
Independent · 302m away
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School B/S
Primary · 428m away
Bishop's Stortford College
Independent · 479m away
Northgate Primary School
Primary · 678m away
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
Secondary · 1.2km away
Avanti Brook Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Thorn Grove Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is St Mary's Catholic School a selective school?
No. St Mary's Catholic School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend St Mary's Catholic School?
St Mary's Catholic School currently has 1,121 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St Mary's Catholic School take?
St Mary's Catholic School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St Mary's Catholic School?
St Mary's Catholic School is in Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2NQ, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St Mary's Catholic School have a sixth form?
Yes, St Mary's Catholic School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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