The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2014).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 55.0 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
55.0
11.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
60%
18.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
75%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.09
Band 3Source: 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
96%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
90%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 202 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% 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 87 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
- 1,213
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 7.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Leeds
- Trust
- THE BISHOP WHEELER CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Miss Margaret Hattersley (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Bradford Road, Menston, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 6AE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGreen Meadows Academy
Academy · 850m away
The North West Silc
Special school · 930m away
Tranmere Park Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Guiseley Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Guiseley School
Secondary · 1.3km away
Menston Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
St. Oswald's CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Hawksworth Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy a selective school?
No. St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy's Ofsted rating?
St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy?
St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy currently has 1,213 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy take?
St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy?
St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy is in Ilkley, LS29 6AE, in the Leeds local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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