Classpot

Our Lady's Catholic High School

Preston, PR2 3SQSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Requires Improvement
Mar 2024
Progress 8
-0.51
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
0.8×
Not oversubscribed
149 1st-choice / 188 places
Ranking
#2,614
of 3,141 nationally

About Our Lady's Catholic High School

Our Lady's Catholic High School in Preston is a state secondary for 11 to 16 year olds that is currently running well below its capacity, with 902 pupils against a school capacity of 1,148. That leaves around a fifth of its places unfilled, which is striking given the local demand for school places. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 39.8%, significantly higher than the national average and a clear indicator that the school serves a community with considerable economic disadvantage. Despite this spare capacity, the school was oversubscribed for 2025/26 admissions, receiving 548 applications for 188 places, with 149 first preference offers made. That works out at nearly three applicants for every place, suggesting that for many local families, particularly those within the Roman Catholic community the school serves, it remains a first choice despite its current Ofsted rating.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
AddressSt Anthony's Drive, Preston, Preston, PR2 3SQ
HeadteacherRichard Charnock
Local AuthorityLancashire
Number of Pupils902
Free School Meals (FSM)39.8%
School Capacity902 / 1,148 (79% 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

26 Mar 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 19 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
Music RoomsScience LabsLibraryAstro TurfTheatreSports HallDining HallICT SuitePlaying FieldsChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

16

Sports

RowingFootballMartial ArtsHockeyRugbyCricketGymnasticsBadminton

Clubs & Activities

Art ClubDramaModel United NationsChoirScience ClubGardeningNewspaperYoung Enterprise

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:55 – 15:00

Breakfast club

08:15-08:55

After-school care

15:00-17:00

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Lady's Catholic High School

Our Lady's Catholic High School has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.