Mount St Mary’s (MSM) Catholic High School, Leeds

Mount St Mary’s is a 11-16 school rated as outstanding by Ofsted. It is based close to Leeds city centre and has served some of the most deprived areas of Leeds since 1853.

The partnership between The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) and Mount St Mary’s (MSM) continues to demonstrate the powerful impact that collaboration can have on the educational experiences, aspirations and long-term outcomes of young people. Through a diverse and expanding programme of academic, enrichment and careers-focused initiatives, GSAL provides significant support that enriches the schooling of MSM students and helps them move confidently towards their futures.

A central strength of this partnership is its commitment to offering opportunities that go far beyond what students may typically access. Whether through academic support, exposure to industry professionals, or guidance on future pathways, GSAL helps ensure that MSM pupils receive the highest-quality experiences at key transition points in their education.

One of the most impactful examples is the GCSE revision programme, which has been running for seven years. Recognising that not all MSM students have a quiet or suitable environment at home for revision, GSAL opens its fully equipped conference suite for intensive Saturday study sessions. MSM teachers deliver subject-specific workshops in English, maths, science, humanities and languages, making the most of GSAL’s facilities including multiple rooms that can be configured for different groups, interactive whiteboards, breakout spaces and access to refreshments. This creates an environment where the students feel like they are being treated as conference delegates, which helps to shift their mindset. GSAL also arranges transport from their school, removing barriers to attendance.

The success and reputation of these sessions continue to grow. What began with 25 students has now expanded to around 60 students each year, reflecting the strong value students place on the programme. MSM staff report that pupils who attend the revision sessions typically achieve one grade higher than expected, demonstrating the tangible academic impact of GSAL’s support.

GSAL also enriches MSM’s wider careers and guidance programme. The post-Year 10 options event benefits greatly from GSAL’s involvement, providing students and families with clear, informed guidance on the full range of post-16 pathways. With input from GSAL and other organisations from across the city, MSM pupils and their parents gain a deeper understanding of the full range of post GCSE options available.

To support transition into post-16 study, GSAL provides an introduction to sixth form session tailored to MSM students. This session explains academic expectations, workload, enrichment opportunities and pastoral support, helping students understand what lies ahead and how to prepare for the shift to greater independence and responsibility. For many pupils, this insight is crucial in helping them make thoughtful, well-informed decisions about their next steps.

Another highlight of the partnership is the annual GSAL Futures Conference, which helps to raise aspirations and widen perspectives. The 2025 conference was the largest and most immersive yet, with all speakers on site to

maximise engagement and interaction. The event brought together 50 professionals from a wide range of sectors, speaking to 420 students from Years 10 to 12 across GSAL and two partner schools: Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School and MSM. The aim of the conference is simple yet powerful: to inform and inspire students about future careers and the skills employers value. For MSM students, the opportunity to meet industry experts, ask questions and hear real stories of professional journeys is invaluable. Experiences like this help students see new possibilities, build aspirations and understand the pathways open to them.

Together, these initiatives make clear the depth and value of GSAL’s support for MSM students. Whether providing academic spaces, expert guidance, real-world opportunities, or careers insight, GSAL plays a transformative role in enriching students’ schooling and expanding their horizons. Through these sustained efforts, both schools demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to the tools, experiences and encouragement needed to thrive.

Aims

The GSAL–MSM partnership aims to address inequalities in opportunity, aspiration and access to future pathways by providing MSM students with academic support, expanded careers guidance and high-quality experiences that may not be available within their own school setting. Through initiatives such as the long-running Saturday GCSE revision sessions, students receive targeted academic support in an environment that removes barriers to learning and encourages higher achievement. The partnership also broadens students’ horizons by exposing them to industry professionals, diverse career routes and tailored guidance on post-16 study, helping them make informed decisions at key transition points. Access to GSAL’s facilities, staff expertise and professional networks, combined with strong collaboration and consistent delivery, ensures that the programme has a meaningful and lasting impact. While the immediate beneficiaries are MSM students in Years 10 to 12, the wider community also gains from improved outcomes, raised aspirations and enhanced social mobility.

Background

GSAL was introduced to MSM through one of its other partners. They knew key people at both schools and felt that they we had a lot in common in terms of our values, ethos and commitment to providing opportunities to young people.

Resources

GSAL provides extensive use of its facilities, including the conference suite and multiple classrooms for the GCSE revision sessions and major careers events. Both teaching and non-teaching staff contribute: MSM teachers lead the workshops, while GSAL staff organise logistics, host events and support transport. Staff give additional time, particularly for Saturday revision sessions and large events like the Futures Conference. GSAL also makes a financial contribution through provision of facilities, refreshments, transport and event organisation. Together, these resources enable MSM students to access high-quality academic support and guidance.

Impact

Participation in GCSE revision sessions has grown from 25 to 60 students. Students attending these sessions typically achieve one grade higher than expected. The GSAL Futures Conference engages 420 students with 50 professional speakers. MSM headteacher, Mark Cooper highlights the sessions’ value for student confidence and wellbeing. Students report greater exam confidence, clearer post-16 plans and inspiration from professional speakers. Teachers note improved study habits and engagement. Exam results and teacher feedback are reviewed annually. Event participation and student reflections are recorded after each session. Continued improvement in GCSE performance, giving students a greater choice post 16 Broader awareness of careers and post-16 pathways. Long-term contribution to educational equity and enrichment.

Pupil Involvement

Year 11; age 16. Mixed gender. All attend Mount St Mary's – a state school in central Leeds.

Frequency

The GSAL and Mount St Mary’s partnership is a continuous, ongoing project. Key activities take place at regular intervals throughout the academic year:

Off-site GCSE revision sessions are held on selected Saturdays in April, May and June ahead of examinations. Mock interviews, workshops, and post-Year 10 options events are scheduled annually to support career guidance and post-16 decision-making. The GSAL Futures Conference is an annual event, bringing together students and professional speakers.