St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy
95%
Capacity
1,139
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy
St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Stoke-on-Trent community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,139 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Dominic McKenna, it falls under Stoke-on-Trent local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.44 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2510th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 13 in Stoke-on-Trent.
St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 439 applications for 209 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 217 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy include Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Science Labs, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Rounders, Football, Dance and 6 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Eco Club, Chess, Film Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 36.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Stoke-on-Trent, St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy 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 | Little Chell Lane, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6LZ |
| Headteacher | Dominic McKenna |
| Local Authority | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Number of Pupils | 1,139 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 36.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,139 / 1,200 (95% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Sept 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (29 Sept 2021): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 4 Mar 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.44)
2510th of 3,141
Nationally
279th of 371
In West Midlands
6th of 13
In Stoke-on-Trent
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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
32.3
'22/23
29.7
'23/24
31.6
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
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed209
439
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
217 families put this school as their 1st choice (49% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy
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
Little Chell Lane, Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6LZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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