The Catholic High School, Chester
72%
Capacity
808
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About The Catholic High School, Chester
The Catholic High School, Chester is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Cheshire West and Chester community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 808 pupils on roll, operating at 72% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Catholic High School, Chester "Good", the school is led by headteacher CATHRYN MCKEAGNEY, it falls under Cheshire West and Chester local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.08 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1712th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 19 in Cheshire West and Chester.
The Catholic High School, Chester is a popular choice with families — it received 223 applications for 106 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 96 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Catholic High School, Chester include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Theatre, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Rowing, Badminton, Cricket and 2 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Book Club, Art Club, Coding and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.1%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cheshire West and Chester, The Catholic High School, Chester is one of the options available in the North West 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 | Old Wrexham Road, Chester, Cheshire West and Chester, CH4 7HS |
| Headteacher | CATHRYN MCKEAGNEY |
| Local Authority | Cheshire West and Chester |
| Number of Pupils | 808 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.1% |
| School Capacity | 808 / 1,117 (72% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
1 Dec 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (1 Dec 2021): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 13 Oct 2011. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.08)
1712th of 3,141
Nationally
196th of 445
In North West
12th of 19
In Cheshire West and Chester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
28.7
'22/23
28.1
'23/24
31.7
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
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed106
223
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
96 families put this school as their 1st choice (43% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Catholic High School, Chester
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
Old Wrexham Road, Chester
Cheshire West and Chester, CH4 7HS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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