Best 3 Secondary schools in Lancashire – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Penwortham Girls' High School (Secondary) in Preston; All Hallows Catholic High School (Secondary) in Preston; Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy (Secondary) in Lancaster — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Penwortham Girls' High School, All Hallows Catholic High School and Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy. They are secondary phase and community school, voluntary aided school and academy converter type located around Preston, Lancashire and Lancaster, Lancashire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Penwortham Girls' High School), published Jul 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Penwortham Girls' High School (Jul 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,150, combined total ≈ 3,450, typical FSM 10–15%, range 5–10%–15–20%; all within the The Bay Learning Trust trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Penwortham Girls' High School PR1 0SR	All Hallows Catholic High School PR1 0LN	Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy LA1 4RS
Phase / Type	Secondary • Community school	Secondary • Voluntary aided school	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Preston Lancashire PR1 0SR	Preston Lancashire PR1 0LN	Lancaster Lancashire LA1 4RS
Latest Ofsted	1 3 Jul 2024	1 28 Mar 2023	1 8 Feb 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 800 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 900 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,750 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	800	890	1754
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Girls	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Lancashire (888)	Lancashire (888)	The Bay Learning Trust
Website	www.penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk	www.allhallows.lancs.sch.uk	ripleystthomas.com
Telephone	01772743399	01772746121	0152464496
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Penwortham Girls' High School

PR1 0SR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Community school
Location: Preston
Lancashire
PR1 0SR
Ofsted: 1 3 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 800 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Lancashire (888)
Website: www.penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk
Telephone: 01772743399

All Hallows Catholic High School

PR1 0LN

Phase / Type: Secondary • Voluntary aided school
Location: Preston
Lancashire
PR1 0LN
Ofsted: 1 28 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 900 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Lancashire (888)
Website: www.allhallows.lancs.sch.uk
Telephone: 01772746121

Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy

LA1 4RS

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 4RS
Ofsted: 1 8 Feb 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,750 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Bay Learning Trust
Website: ripleystthomas.com
Telephone: 0152464496

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.