StMichael’sChurchof EnglandHighSchool
Welcome
I am delighted to welcome you to St Michael’s. As a Church of England Academy in the Diocese of Blackburn, our values are deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Our vision is for every pupil, as well as staff and our wider community, to growinbody, mind,andspirit - to flourish as a child of God and experience the joy of ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).
We are very much a team here; pupils, staff, parents, and governors work together to create a vibrant, caring environment.
We set high expectations and place great importance on celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, recognising that every person is a precious child of God, gifted with their own strengths and talents.
At St Michael’s, we are outward facing, working to build strong partnerships with families, churches, local organisations, and the wider community. These relationships enrich our lives, providing opportunities for growth, not only for pupils, but for all involved.
Our academic standards are consistently high, with results placing us in the top 10% of non-selective schools nationally at Key Stage 4. This success is underpinned by a research-informed approach to teaching and a commitment to developing resilient, lifelong learners who embrace challenge.
Personalandspiritualdevelopment are central to all we do here. Through our Character and Spiritual Education (CASE) Programme, worship, assemblies, careers provision, and enrichment activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and pupil leadership, we continually strive to nurture well-rounded individuals; young people who are ready to make a difference in our rapidly changing world.
Our motto, ‘Therefore, choose’ (Deuteronomy 30:19) underpins the life of the school, as we guide pupils to make positive, meaningful life choices.
We are proud of our calm, respectful environment where every pupil can thrive. Ofsted praised our pupils’ impeccable behaviour and strong academic outcomes, and SIAMS described us as, “a beacon of exemplary practice.”
We continue to innovate, investing in our curriculum, facilities, and technology.
To discover a faith-filled school that nurtures the whole child, developing confidence and character, whilst remaining highly aspirational for academic success, I warmly invite you to visit us and experience the life and ethos of St Michael’s for yourself.
Mrs Rachel Rongong, Headteacher
“Asavibrantlearning community,wechooseto serveGod, pursueexcellence,and celebratetheuniqueness ofeachindividual.”
PastoralCare
At St Michael's, outstanding pastoral care underpins everything we do.
We are deeply committed to nurturing each child as they growinbody,mind,andspirit, recognising and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to promote the wellbeing of our young people, going above and beyond to create a safe, inclusive, and compassionate environment.
Here, it’s not just that every child matters - it’s that every child knows they matter.
Through our unwavering care and guidance, we help children flourish not only academically, but personally and spiritually, preparing them to thrive in all aspects of life.
“Theschool’svision effectivelypromotesstrong
relationships,asenseof belongingandexemplary behaviour.”
SIAMS Inspection Report
PartnershipWorking
Our vision of ‘growinginbody,mindandspirit’ extends far beyond the classroom - it is becoming a guiding principle that shapes the way we engage with families, churches and the wider community.
We place communication at the heart of these relationships, knowing that open, respectful dialogue creates the conditions for all to flourish. Pupils benefit deeply from this collaborative approach, thriving academically, emotionally, and spiritually. But it doesn't stop there: we want families to feel supported, local partners to find renewed purpose through shared goals, and staff to be uplifted by the strength of connection.
Together, we are TeamStMichael’s; our aim is a network of relationships where children, families, staff, and community grow side by side, each strengthened and enriched by the shared journey.
“Werecognisethatdeveloping strongreciprocalpartnerships withparents,schools,churches, charitiesandorganisationswill beatransformationalkeystone toourapproachforallto flourish.”
Mr C Metcalfe - Chair of Governors
GROWING inBODY
“Pupils benefit from a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. Clubs such as sports, performing arts and computing are popular and well attended.’’
Ofsted Inspection Report
Sport
First-classfacilities:
Ourexpansiveplayingfields,sportshall,courts,gymnasium,andclimbing wallofferawealthofopportunities,fromteamsportstofitnessand adventure:
football
rugby
netball
basketball
cricket
athletics
handball
badminton
tennis
hockey orienteering
climbing
archery
table tennis
archery
rounders
gymnastics and so much more...
At St Michael’s, excellence and inclusivity go hand in hand. We are proud to be recognised for our exceptional sporting achievements across regional and national arenas, but we are just as proud of the culture we’ve built - one that welcomes every pupil to experience the joy of ‘life in all its fullness’ through the challenge of sport.
With a wide variety of activities to explore, we empower all pupils to push their limits, develop valuable life skills, and celebrate success in every form.
“Leadershaveensuredastrongcultureof readingintheschool.” OfstedInspectionReport
GROWING inMIND
“
[The school’s] vision makes sure that academic rigour and focused support is provided for all. ’’
SIAMS Inspection Report
AcademicExcellence
All pupils study maths, English, science and RE. In addition, we offer a wide range of option subjects, including:
Art
Arttextiles
Computerscience
Dance
Designandtechnology
Digitalinformationtechnology
BTECperformingarts
Foodpreparationandnutrition
French
Business
Geography
German
History
Music
Musictechnology
Physicaleducation
GROWING inSPIRIT
Ofsted Inspection Report
PersonalandSpiritualDevelopment
Personal and spiritual development lie at the heart of our Christian vision - growing in body, mind, and spirit. Through worship, reflection, leadership opportunities, and a broad, values-driven curriculum, we support pupils in connecting with themselves, others, the environment, and God. From prayer and moments of wonder to careers guidance and enrichment activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, our holistic approach prepares young people to become confident, compassionate, and resilient members of society.
Collective worship is the heartbeat of school life. It offers a daily opportunity for pupils and staff to explore Christian faith, reflect, and grow spiritually.
“Collectiveworshipisinspirationalandexemplary.”
AnInnovativeYear9Curriculum
From volunteering and charity projects to environmental action and workplace experiences, pupils gain practical skills and grow in confidence as part of the taught curriculum.
Guided by the Christian values of compassion, service, stewardship, and humility pupils make a lasting impact on themselves and the world around them.
PerformingArts
Drama lessons, lunchtime clubs, worship pieces, and events such as the Shakespeare Schools Theatre Festival and whole school productions, encourage pupils to express themselves and grow in confidence.
Music
Music thrives through three choirs, including a chapel choir, and a variety of instrumental groups such as wind band, string ensemble, and rock band. Pupils can take graded music exams and perform in the annual summer concert, which unites the music, dance, and drama departments in a celebration of the arts.
Dance
Dance is part of school life for all pupils, blending curriculum with vibrant clubs, GCSE projects, and chances to work with professionals through shows and workshops.
ClubsandSocieties
“Pupilsspokewithenthusiasm aboutthevastarrayof leadership,enrichmentand charitableopportunities availabletothem.”
Ofsted Inspection Report
GlobalNeighbours
Through meaningful cultural exchange and sustained charitable work, pupils become true change-makers, equipped with empathy, leadership, and a global perspective. It’s not just education, it’s transformation.
PupilLeadership
At St Michael’s, leadership isn’t just encouraged, it’s embedded in every pupil’s journey.
From Bridge Buddies and School Council to mentoring and global outreach, each role is designed to nurture confidence, character, and compassion. Our pupils don’t just learn to lead, they learn to serve, challenge injustice, and make meaningful change.
Leadership opportunities at St Michael’s are inclusive and open to all, ensuring every pupil can discover their voice and make a difference.
Here, leadership is more than a title. It’s a way of life inspired by the example of Jesus, preparing pupils to become active citizens with integrity and purpose. St Michael’s is where young people grow, through initiative, service, and spirit, and where future leaders are shaped.
LifeBeyondSchool
Acareersprogrammethatpreparespupilsfortheworldofwork,helpingthem discovertheirGod-givengiftsandpurpose:
Aligned with Gatsby Foundation benchmarks, ensuring high-quality provision
Raising aspiration
Developing self-awareness
Exploring interests
Shaping a personal vision for a meaningful future
Offering additional guidance at key transition points, such as Year 9 and Year 11
Providing access to an independent careers adviser for expert, impartial advice
Collaborating with local colleges and training providers to inform choices
“Pupilsbenefitfromregular,well-thought-outcareersinformation, education,adviceandguidancewhichenablethemtomake informedchoicesabouttheoptionsavailabletothemwhenthey leaveschool.” Ofsted Inspection Report
