Holy Family Catholic High School
Virgins Lane, Thornton, Liverpool, L23 4ULOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Holy Family Catholic High School is a secondary school in Liverpool for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 113 schools in Sefton. It ranks 16th of 40 secondary schools in Liverpool. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2019.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 8 May 2019, report published 4 June 2019
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 8 October 2024
The school is a supportive and caring community that celebrates pupils' talents. Pupils and students are happy and feel safe here. They respect differences between people. The school has high expectations of pupils' achievement. Typically, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well. They are well prepared for the next stage in their education. The school is a calm and positive learning environment. Pupils and students are courteous and respectful. Staff foster strong relationships with pupils, including those in the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND. In lessons, pupils have a genuine desire to learn. Students in the sixth form behave exceptionally well. The school places a strong emphasis on developing pupils' oracy skills. This helps to build their confidence. Pupils and students benefit from a vast array of activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, sports, visits to museums and theatres and overseas trips. They enjoy participating in a range of clubs, including sport, music, art and dance. Pupils take pleasure in taking on responsibilities, such as being school ambassadors and supporting local food banks, hospitals and primary schools. Pupils with SEND, including those in the specially resourced provision, are involved in all school activities.
What the school should improve
- In one or two subjects, occasionally, staff do not check carefully enough that pupils' learning is secure before moving them on to new learning. This prevents some pupils from building on their knowledge. The school should ensure that staff check that pupils' knowledge is secure before introducing new topics and concepts.
- A small number of pupils who have barriers to learning do not attend school as often as they should. They miss valuable learning time, which affects their achievement. The school should continue to support these pupils and their families to improve pupils' attendance.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
172 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
65 students
Average A level grade C, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,012 pupils on roll, with places for 869
Schools near Holy Family Catholic High School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield High School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 48.4 |
| Sacred Heart Catholic Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 42.4 |
| St. Mary's College | 1 mile | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 63.3 |
| St Michaels Church of England Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Inadequate | Not published |
| Merchant Taylors' Schools | 1 mile | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 21.4 |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Matthew Symes
- Phone
- 01519246451
- Address
- Virgins Lane, Thornton, Liverpool, L23 4UL
- Local authority
- Sefton
- URN
- 104962
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.