St Damian's RC Science College

  • Secondary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Outstanding

Lees Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8BHOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Damian's RC Science College is a secondary school in Ashton-under-Lyne for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 109 schools in Tameside. It ranks 1st of 13 secondary schools in Tameside. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in November 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 15 November 2017, report published 28 December 2017

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

Pupils attending St Damian's Roman Catholic Science College thrive in school. They whole-heartedly embrace the 'St Damian's way' of learning. For instance, pupils forge positive relationships through living out the value of mutual respect. Leaders have fostered a vibrant and academically stimulating environment for pupils. They maintain exceedingly high expectations for pupils' behaviour and achievement. Pupils respond well to these expectations. They behave exceptionally well, work hard and achieve highly. Pupils place a high value on their education. Leaders have a strong commitment to promoting personal development beyond the academic curriculum. Pupils benefit from a vast array of activities, clubs, assemblies and leadership roles. For instance, the 'growing in faith together' team have spent time fundraising for the homeless and the elderly. This has helped pupils to understand the importance of teamwork, empathy and kindness. The pupil language leaders enjoy promoting the love of languages. For example, they plan and deliver Spanish workshops to primary school pupils. Pupils are respectful of each other. They take genuine pride in helping others. Any incidents of bullying are dealt with swiftly and effectively by leaders. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), feel honoured, safe and happy to be attending this school.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

161 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score55.1

55.1, 9 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths60.9%

60.9%, 15.5 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths86.3%

86.3%, 21.5 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc72.7%

72.7%, 32.2 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score5.12

5.12, 1.03 above the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

829 pupils on roll, with places for 825

Eligible for free school meals25.9%

25.9%, 0.6 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language21.1%

21.1%, 0.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support9.3%

9.3%, 5.5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4%

4%, 2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Damian's RC Science College

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Dixons Ashton Academy0.4 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 38.1
Ashton Sixth Form College1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
West Hill School2 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 43.5
The Hathershaw College2 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 39.3
Oasis Academy Leesbrook2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 41.5

School details

School type
Voluntary aided school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Mr Russ Conway
Address
Lees Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8BH
Local authority
Tameside
URN
106270

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.