St John Fisher is a large Roman Catholic High School which draws on a wide geographical area, including the towns of Harrogate and Wetherby. The majority of pupils come from relatively advantaged backgrounds, but a significant proportion of pupils do not and there are a number of less able pupils. The school has specialist status in arts and in humanities. There are extensive sports facilities and an arts centre on site, but other accommodation is rather cramped because of the large numbers on roll. The sixth formers are part of an ecumenical associated sixth form of over 900 students, the rest coming from the neighbouring Saint Aidan's Church of England High School.