Best 3 Secondary schools in Herefordshire – comparison
Comparison of secondary schools: Fairfield High School (Secondary) in Hereford; St Mary's RC High School (Secondary) in Hereford; Whitecross Hereford (Secondary) in Hereford — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.
At a glance
This page compares Fairfield High School, St Mary's RC High School and Whitecross Hereford. They are secondary phase and academy converter and voluntary aided school type located around Hereford, Herefordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Fairfield High School), published Jan 2024. The lowest is 2 (Whitecross Hereford), published Jul 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Fairfield High School (Jan 2024). average roll around ≈ 750, combined total ≈ 2,300, typical FSM 10–15%, range 10–15%–15–20%; all under Herefordshire, County of local authority.
| Attribute |
Fairfield High School
HR2 0SG
|
St Mary's RC High School
HR1 4DR
|
Whitecross Hereford
HR4 0RN
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase / Type | Secondary • Academy converter | Secondary • Voluntary aided school | Secondary • Academy converter |
| Location |
Hereford Herefordshire HR2 0SG |
Hereford Herefordshire HR1 4DR |
Hereford Herefordshire HR4 0RN |
| Latest Ofsted | 1 21 Jan 2024 | 1 10 Mar 2019 | 2 17 Jul 2023 |
| Ofsted report | — | — | — |
| Pupils (roll) | ≈ 600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 750 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils |
| FSM % | 15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % |
| Capacity | 600 | 675 | 900 |
| Capacity utilisation | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Over capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % |
| Age range | — | — | — |
| Gender | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
| Admissions policy | Non-selective | Non-selective | Non-selective |
| Trust / Local authority | Herefordshire, County of (884) | Herefordshire, County of (884) | Herefordshire, County of (884) |
| Website | www.fairfield.hereford.sch.uk | www.st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk | www.whitecross.hereford.sch.uk |
| Telephone | 01981550231 | 01432850416 | 01432376080 |
| SEN provision | None reported | None reported | None reported |
| Profile | View profile | View profile | View profile |
Fairfield High School
HR2 0SG
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Academy converter
- Location
- Hereford
Herefordshire
HR2 0SG - Ofsted
- 1 21 Jan 2024
- Pupils
- ≈ 600 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Herefordshire, County of (884)
- Website
- www.fairfield.hereford.sch.uk
- Telephone
- 01981550231
St Mary's RC High School
HR1 4DR
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Voluntary aided school
- Location
- Hereford
Herefordshire
HR1 4DR - Ofsted
- 1 10 Mar 2019
- Pupils
- ≈ 750 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Herefordshire, County of (884)
- Website
- www.st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk
- Telephone
- 01432850416
Whitecross Hereford
HR4 0RN
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Academy converter
- Location
- Hereford
Herefordshire
HR4 0RN - Ofsted
- 2 17 Jul 2023
- Pupils
- ≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Herefordshire, County of (884)
- Website
- www.whitecross.hereford.sch.uk
- Telephone
- 01432376080
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.