St John Fisher Catholic High School

Since September 2020, Steve Mort. Previously principal at Corpus Christi Catholic College for eight years and before that at St John Fisher Catholic High School for five years.

Over subscribed: some 335 applicants for 196 places. Has its own complicated admissions system - baptised Catholics get preference. Sixth formers: up to 30 from outside the two main schools; five 9-4s with at least one 6 needed. Deadline for

The great majority - around 85 per cent - continue into the Associated Sixth Form. The school is justifiably proud that scarcely any students become NEETS (not in education, employment or training). Nearly 70 per cent of sixth formers proceed to

In 2023, 31 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 74 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths. In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 86 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths at GCSE; nearly 50 per cent A*-B at A level.

Has humanities and performing arts specialist status, so these subjects are especially carefully monitored and the latter used to develop creativity across the curriculum. Constantly striving to improve its very good results by systematic target

Very enlightened and thorough-going SEN provision: the department has its own IT suite and provides in and outside class support. Weak year 8s are given one-to-one tuition in English and maths, SEN and reluctant learners have individual programmes –

Big focus on the performing arts: has Artsmark Gold and a modern performing arts area; plays tend to be musicals, eg Phantom of the Opera, Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz (seniors) and Mulan, Beauty and the Beast (juniors, with partner primary schools);

Three soccer and one rugby pitches, four tennis/netball courts, an oldish gym and more modern sports hall, plus a big field with lots of trees. Also offers cross-country, cricket, golf at a local course, cheerleading and hoop fusion, self-defence,

Voluntary aided; situated on the outskirts of Harrogate - originally a convent school built in 1904, with an attractive 1970s sandstone extension supplemented by seven recent mobiles. The main problem is lack of space – some of the passageways are

Very thoughtful and comprehensive policies, eg the sensible advice issued to pupils on how to cope with bullying, including cyber-bullying. The focus is more on rewards than sanctions. Planners are used by form tutors and parents to get problems

The majority are practising Catholics – white, middle class professionals from Harrogate and Wetherby and the surrounding district. However school has greatest ethnic diversity in North Yorkshire, with significant numbers of Polish and Phillipino

The Hayra Educational Trust provides a fund for help with extracurricular activities, including gap year projects, for sixth formers.

A deeply impressive school in all respects, apart from the limitations of its accommodation – deservedly researched by Ofsted for a report on the features of outstanding state schools.