St Paul's Catholic School, a Voluntary Academy
Spencefield Lane, Leicester, LE5 6HNOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Paul's Catholic School, a Voluntary Academy is a secondary school in Leicester for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 136 schools in Leicester. It ranks 9th of 33 secondary schools in Leicester. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2018.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 16 January 2018, report published 6 February 2018
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 24 January 2023
There is a strong family atmosphere in this inclusive school. Staff say everyone looks out for one another. Pupils have trusted adults they can turn to when they need help. Staff care about pupils' well-being. Pupils feel happy and safe at school. Pupils are polite and well-mannered. They behave well. There is very little bullying. Staff deal swiftly with occasional bullying incidents. Leaders have high expectations of every pupil. Pupils respond well to leaders' high standards. Pupils demonstrate a positive attitude towards their learning. They achieve well. The curriculum is broad and balanced. It is also challenging for all, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils can choose from a wide variety of subjects at key stage 4 and in the sixth form. Leaders ensure that there are opportunities for pupils to develop their character, including their potential as leaders. They also make sure that all pupils develop spiritually and morally. Some pupils benefit from extra-curricular opportunities in sport, including football and netball. Pupils also have the chance to take part in school productions. However, not all pupils take advantage of these opportunities. Some pupils would appreciate a wider range of extra-curricular activities.
What the school should improve
- A minority of teachers do not use the school's recently introduced assessment approach consistently well. This means that some pupils' misconceptions are not identified and addressed quickly enough. Leaders should make sure all teachers are supported to assess pupils' understanding of the curriculum effectively.
- The range of extra-curricular options open to pupils is relatively narrow. This means that there are not enough opportunities for pupils and students to develop their talents and interests. While avoiding additional pressures on staff, leaders should broaden this aspect of the school's enrichment offer, increasing the contribution it makes to pupils' personal development.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
183 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
79 students
Average A level grade B-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,167 pupils on roll, with places for 1,142
Schools near St Paul's Catholic School, a Voluntary Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The City of Leicester College | 0.4 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 49.1 |
| Judgemeadow Community College | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.7 |
| Crown Hills Community College | 0.9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 47.4 |
| Al-Aqsa Schools Trust | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 61.2 |
| Madani Boys School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 52.2 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- ST THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Shelley Conaghan
- Phone
- 01162414057
- Address
- Spencefield Lane, Leicester, LE5 6HN
- Local authority
- Leicester
- URN
- 146232
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.