Painsley Catholic College
91%
Capacity
1,318
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Painsley Catholic College
Painsley Catholic College is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Staffordshire Moorlands community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,318 pupils on roll and is well-filled (91% of 1,447 places).
Ofsted has rated Painsley Catholic College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Rachel Waugh, it falls under Staffordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.51 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 57.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 485th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 7 in Staffordshire Moorlands.
Painsley Catholic College is a popular choice with families — it received 355 applications for 215 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 216 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Painsley Catholic College include Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Basketball, Hockey, Netball, Tennis and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Gardening, Choir, Chess and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 13.1%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Staffordshire Moorlands, Painsley Catholic College is one of the options available in the West Midlands 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 | Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Moorlands, ST10 1LH |
| Headteacher | Rachel Waugh |
| Local Authority | Staffordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,318 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 13.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,318 / 1,447 (91% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 May 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 7 Jul 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.51)
485th of 3,141
Nationally
40th of 371
In West Midlands
1st of 7
In Staffordshire Moorlands
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
39.2
'22/23
36.7
'23/24
34.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed215
355
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
216 families put this school as their 1st choice (61% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painsley Catholic College
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
Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire Moorlands, ST10 1LH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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