Ofsted: Outstanding trending_up High Demand emoji_events #4 in Newcastle upon Tyne public Top 12% UK

Sacred Heart Catholic High School

verifiedData: DfE 2024/25–2025/26 · Ofsted

personMrs Suzanne Howell

corporate_fareBISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST

location_onNewcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 9YH

language Visit Website phone 1912747373

verified

Ofsted

Outstanding

Inspected 2024

groups

Students

1,393

trending_up

Attainment 8

52.1

leaderboard

GCSE Rank

#3 in Newcastle upon Tyne

#699 of 3,216 nationally

summarize

Sacred Heart Catholic High School is a Academy converter secondary school in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, serving ages 11-18. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted — the highest possible grade. Highly competitive: 1.5× more applications than places — plan well ahead.

article

School Summary

Sacred Heart Catholic High School is an academy converter in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, admitting pupils aged 11-18. It has a sixth form offering post-16 education. It is part of BISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST. The school has approximately 1,392 pupils on roll, of whom 38% are eligible for free school meals.

In 2025, pupils achieved an Attainment 8 score of 52.1, placing the school #3 in Newcastle upon Tyne and #699 of 3,216 nationally. 53.60% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and Maths. 27.4% of all GCSE entries were graded 9–7.

The sixth form offers 28 A-level subjects. 49.8% of A-level entries were graded A*–B, with 20.0% at A*–A. A-level value added: -0.2 — students made below-average progress at sixth form.

Ofsted last inspected the school in 2024. The school's current overall rating is Outstanding. Inspectors assessed quality of education as Outstanding, behaviour and attitudes Outstanding, personal development Outstanding, and leadership and management Outstanding.

The school is oversubscribed — in the most recent cycle, there were 1.5× as many applications as places, making a successful application competitive.

The pupil-to-qualified-teacher ratio is 15.1:1. There are no current teaching vacancies.

In the 2024/25 academic year, there were no permanent exclusions. The average suspension rate was 4.5 per 1,000 pupils per term.

verified Source: DfE 2024/25–2025/26 · Ofsted

Academic Performance

verified Data: UK Gov 2024/25

analytics

Secondary Performance Trends (KS4)

2025

Progress 8 Score

Attainment 8

52.1

Grade 5+ E&M

53.60%

Grade 9–7 (all GCSEs)27.4%

Entering EBacc36.20%

EBacc APS4.4

2024

Progress 8 Score

0.54

vs National Avg

Attainment 8

56.9

Grade 5+ E&M

Entering EBacc53.60%

EBacc APS4.94

2023

Progress 8 Score

0.21

vs National Avg

Attainment 8

53.5

Grade 5+ E&M

Entering EBacc42%

EBacc APS4.53

2022

Progress 8 Score

0.37

vs National Avg

Attainment 8

56.9

Grade 5+ E&M

Entering EBacc48%

EBacc APS4.91

2021

Progress 8 Score

Attainment 8

Grade 5+ E&M

Entering EBacc50%

EBacc APS-

2019

Progress 8 Score

0.45

vs National Avg

Attainment 8

52.7

Grade 5+ E&M

Entering EBacc37%

EBacc APS4.48

2018

Progress 8 Score

0.41

vs National Avg

Attainment 8

54.5

Grade 5+ E&M

Entering EBacc48%

EBacc APS4.65

explore

Student Destinations (After Secondary)

This module shows what students did after finishing Key Stage 4 (GCSEs). It reflects how well the school prepares pupils for the real world.

2025

Stayed in Education / Employment

96%

Education (e.g. Sixth Form/College)92%

Apprenticeships1%

Employment3%

Not in Education / Employment (NEET)3%

2024

Stayed in Education / Employment

98%

Education (e.g. Sixth Form/College)93%

Apprenticeships3%

Employment2%

Not in Education / Employment (NEET)2%

2023

Stayed in Education / Employment

97%

Education (e.g. Sixth Form/College)94%

Apprenticeships1%

Employment3%

Not in Education / Employment (NEET)3%

2022

Stayed in Education / Employment

97%

Education (e.g. Sixth Form/College)94%

Apprenticeships0%

Employment3%

Not in Education / Employment (NEET)3%

2021

Stayed in Education / Employment

96%

Education (e.g. Sixth Form/College)91%

Apprenticeships3%

Employment2%

Not in Education / Employment (NEET)4%

workspace_premium

Sixth Form (A-Level) Performance

A-level results for students who stayed in sixth form at this school. Value added measures how much progress students made relative to their GCSE starting point.

2025

A-Level Value Added

-0.2

vs expected from GCSEs

Pupils make below-expected progress at A-level.

Avg Grade

B-

Students

112

Grade Breakdown

Achieving A*7.6%

Achieving A*–A20.0%

Achieving A*–B49.8%

VA Banding Below average

Retention rate94.6%

A-level subjects offered28

2024

A-Level Value Added

-0.01

vs expected from GCSEs

Pupils make broadly expected progress at A-level.

Avg Grade

B-

Students

107

Retention rate90.70%

2023

Avg Grade

B-

Students

113

Retention rate96.50%

2022

Avg Grade

Students

120

Retention rate97.5%

Source: DfE A Level and Other 16-18 Results

Ofsted History

Publication Timeline

Report Archive

03 December 2024

Inspection Report

picture_as_pdf Download PDF

17 November 2020

Inspection Report

picture_as_pdf Download PDF

12 November 2013

Inspection Report

picture_as_pdf Download PDF

14 February 2012

Inspection Report

picture_as_pdf Download PDF

Inspection Report

Inspection History

3 Evaluations

2024-12-03

S5 Inspection EIF

Not Judged

info

Why no overall grade?

From autumn 2024, Ofsted stopped issuing a single headline grade (Outstanding / Good / RI / Inadequate). Instead, each inspection area is graded individually. This follows a major review after the death of headteacher Ruth Perry in 2023. The overall effectiveness field is left as "Not judged" in the published data.

Education

Outstanding

Behaviour

Outstanding

Development

Outstanding

Leadership

Outstanding

2013-11-12

S5 Inspection EIF

Outstanding

Education

No Judgement

Behaviour

No Judgement

Development

No Judgement

Leadership

Outstanding

2007-11-20

None EIF

Outstanding

Education

No Judgement

Behaviour

No Judgement

Development

No Judgement

Leadership

Outstanding

Wellbeing, SEN & Pastoral Care

gavel

Behaviour & Discipline (Suspensions & Exclusions)

Official Department for Education (DfE) data. Suspensions measure temporary removals due to behavior, while exclusions represent permanent removals.

Suspension Rate

5.5%per term

sentiment_satisfied Below Average (Good)

National average: 7.3% for this term (secondary).

Pupils Suspended 1+ Times

3.3%(46 pupils)

Spring term 2025

Represents the proportion of unique students suspended at least once in this term.

Permanent Exclusions

0pupils

verified Excellent (Zero)

National average: 7.398% of pupils excluded per term.

Pastoral Context: In the Spring term of 2025, this school served a headcount of 1,392 pupils. During this period, there were 77 temporary suspensions. The school's suspension rate was 5.5%, which is below the termly national average of 7.3%.

View Historical Disciplinary Records (2017–2025)keyboard_arrow_down

Year / Term	Headcount	Suspensions	Susp. Rate	Nat. Avg	Perm. Excl.
2024/25 (Spring term)	1,392	77	5.5%	7.3%	0
2024/25 (Autumn term)	1,384	49	3.5%	7.8%	0
2023/24 (Summer term)	1,381	38	2.8%	7.4%	1
2023/24 (Spring term)	1,387	33	2.4%	7.1%	0
2023/24 (Autumn term)	1,388	43	3.1%	8.2%	1
2022/23 (Summer term)	1,391	42	3.0%	6.6%	0
2022/23 (Spring term)	1,393	33	2.4%	6.4%	1
2022/23 (Autumn term)	1,398	33	2.4%	5.9%	2
2021/22 (Summer term)	1,412	26	1.8%	4.7%	2
2021/22 (Spring term)	1,423	37	2.6%	4.9%	0
2021/22 (Autumn term)	1,432	32	2.2%	4.4%	0
2020/21 (Summer term)	1,423	29	2.0%	3.6%	0
2020/21 (Spring term)	1,427	5	0.4%	1.0%	0
2020/21 (Autumn term)	1,434	26	1.8%	3.9%	0
2019/20 (Summer term)	1,434	0	0.0%	0.0%	0
2019/20 (Spring term)	1,434	26	1.8%	3.2%	0
2019/20 (Autumn term)	1,428	30	2.1%	4.2%	1
2018/19 (Summer term)	1,403	28	2.0%	3.1%	0
2018/19 (Spring term)	1,410	36	2.6%	3.8%	3
2018/19 (Autumn term)	1,414	27	1.9%	3.8%	0
2017/18 (Summer term)	1,400	18	1.3%	3.4%	1
2017/18 (Spring term)	1,403	27	1.9%	3.0%	1
2017/18 (Autumn term)	1,396	26	1.9%	3.7%	0
2016/17 (Summer term)	1,408	24	1.7%	3.0%	0
2016/17 (Spring term)	1,407	27	1.9%	3.3%	2
2016/17 (Autumn term)	1,419	27	1.9%	3.1%	2

Source: DfE Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions in England. Data represents termly statistics as published by the Department for Education.

accessibility_new

psychology_alt

Supported Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Primary areas of need currently supported by the school. A high number often indicates specialized internal units or high staff experience in these areas.

Social, Emotional & Mental Health 78 pupils

Specific Learning Difficulty 52 pupils

Moderate Learning Difficulty 38 pupils

Autistic Spectrum Disorder 32 pupils

Speech, Language & Communication 19 pupils

Hearing Impairment 6 pupils

Physical Disability 5 pupils

Visual Impairment 4 pupils

Severe Learning Difficulty 1 pupils

health_and_safety

Parent View on Pastoral Care

Results from the official Ofsted Parent View survey, reflecting direct parent sentiment regarding the school environment.

My child is happy at this school.

88.0%Positive

My child feels safe at this school.

92.0%Positive

My child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively.

22.0%Positive

View All Survey Responseskeyboard_arrow_down

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved.

strongly agree54%

agree36%

disagree3%

strongly disagree2%

don't know4%

The school makes me aware of what my child will learn during the year.

strongly agree39%

agree34%

disagree18%

strongly disagree5%

don't know3%

When I have raised concerns with the school they have been dealt with properly

strongly agree37%

agree27%

disagree11%

strongly disagree2%

don't know2%

not applicable21%

Does your child have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)?

yes25%

no75%

My child has special educational needs and/or disabilities, and the school gives them the support they need to succeed.

strongly agree57%

agree26%

disagree13%

dont know4%

The school has high expectations for my child.

strongly agree62%

agree28%

disagree8%

don't know2%

My child does well at this school.

strongly agree50%

agree40%

disagree1%

strongly disagree2%

don't know7%

The school lets me know how my child is doing.

strongly agree41%

agree42%

disagree10%

strongly disagree5%

don't know1%

There is a good range of subjects available to my child at this school.

strongly agree57%

agree37%

disagree3%

don't know3%

My child can take part in clubs and activities at this school.

strongly agree59%

agree32%

disagree4%

don't know5%

The school supports my child's wider personal development.

strongly agree53%

agree30%

disagree4%

strongly disagree3%

don't know9%

I would recommend this school to another parent.

yes89%

no11%

Top Secondary Schools in Newcastle upon Tyne

Other highly-ranked schools in the same local authority

View all arrow_forward

St Mary's Catholic School

Outstanding

location_on Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7PE

emoji_events #1 in LA

Gosforth Academy

Good

location_on Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE3 2JH

emoji_events #2 in LA

Jesmond Park Academy

Good

location_on Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7DP

emoji_events #3 in LA

St Cuthbert's High School

Good

location_on Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 7PX

emoji_events #5 in LA

Walbottle Academy

Good

location_on Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 9TP

emoji_events #6 in LA

Kenton School

Requires improvement

location_on Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE3 3RU

emoji_events #7 in LA

View all schools in Newcastle upon Tyne arrow_forward

School Summary

Academic Performance

Secondary Performance Trends (KS4)

Student Destinations (After Secondary)

Sixth Form (A-Level) Performance

Ofsted History

Publication Timeline

Inspection History

Admissions Insight

How Places Are Allocated

Faith Priority (Roman Catholic)

Distance to School

School Capacity

Secondary Admission Trends

Students & School Environment

School Size

Language Diversity

Inclusive Support

Attendance

Ethnicity Breakdown

Wellbeing, SEN & Pastoral Care

Behaviour & Discipline (Suspensions & Exclusions)

Supported Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Parent View on Pastoral Care

My child is happy at this school.

My child feels safe at this school.

My child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively.

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved.

The school makes me aware of what my child will learn during the year.

When I have raised concerns with the school they have been dealt with properly

Does your child have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)?

My child has special educational needs and/or disabilities, and the school gives them the support they need to succeed.

The school has high expectations for my child.

My child does well at this school.

The school lets me know how my child is doing.

There is a good range of subjects available to my child at this school.

My child can take part in clubs and activities at this school.

The school supports my child's wider personal development.

I would recommend this school to another parent.

Funding & Staffing

School Funding Allocation

Funding Breakdown

Staffing

Teacher Turnover

Top Secondary Schools in Newcastle upon Tyne

St Mary's Catholic School

Gosforth Academy

Jesmond Park Academy

St Cuthbert's High School

Walbottle Academy

Kenton School