Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
104%
Capacity
1,097
Pupils
4.0x
Demand
About Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the St Albans community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,097 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,056 places).
the school is led by headteacher Melanie Green, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.75 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 54.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 226th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 12 in St Albans.
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 683 applications for 172 places, making it 4.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 234 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School include ICT Suite, Library, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Martial Arts, Rugby and 3 more, as well as clubs including Debate, DofE, Choir, Book Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.0%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in St Albans, Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Colney Heath Lane, St Albans, St Albans, AL4 0TT |
| Headteacher | Melanie Green |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,097 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,097 / 1,056 (104% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.75)
226th of 3,141
Nationally
26th of 350
In East of England
5th of 12
In St Albans
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
39.3
'22/23
31.5
'23/24
32.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed172
683
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
234 families put this school as their 1st choice (34% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Colney Heath Lane, St Albans
St Albans, AL4 0TT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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