Classpot

Blessed William Howard Catholic School

Stafford, ST17 9ABSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2024
Progress 8
+0.41
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
194 1st-choice / 180 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#630 of 3,141 nationally

About Blessed William Howard Catholic School

Blessed William Howard Catholic School is a mixed secondary in Stafford that currently teaches 957 pupils against a capacity of 1,065, meaning it has some headroom but is clearly in demand. The proportion of students eligible for free school meals stands at 21.3%, which is above the national average and suggests the school serves a relatively disadvantaged catchment. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 381 applications for 180 places, making it oversubscribed by a ratio of 2.12 to one. Of those applicants, 194 put the school as their first preference, and 162 first-preference offers were made, indicating that while many families are keen, not all first-choice applicants secure a place. The school is Roman Catholic by character, which will be a factor for some families, though the admissions policy will determine how heavily faith criteria weigh. With a sixth form on site, the school caters for students from age 11 through to 18.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
AddressRowley Avenue, Stafford, Stafford, ST17 9AB
HeadteacherKarl Brown
Local AuthorityStaffordshire
Number of Pupils957
Free School Meals (FSM)21.3%
School Capacity957 / 1,065 (90% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

22 May 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (22 May 2024): School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next

Source: Ofsted, 6 Nov 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Swimming PoolLibraryAstro TurfPlaying FieldsTheatreDining HallScience LabsSixth Form CentreMusic RoomsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

RowingRugbyCross CountryBasketballRoundersFootballAthleticsHockey

Clubs & Activities

Young EnterpriseBook ClubEco ClubOrchestraGardeningCodingDuke of Edinburgh

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:40 – 15:20

Source: bwh.staffs.sch.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Blessed William Howard Catholic School

Blessed William Howard Catholic School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.