St Michael's Catholic Grammar School is a smaller than average school with a collaboration at sixth form level with a local boys' Catholic comprehensive school. Selection to the main school is based on a commitment to the Catholic faith and academic aptitude. However, students in the sixth form are from different faiths. The proportion of students eligible for free school meals is very low. Although a high proportion of students are from minority ethnic backgrounds, the majority are White British; other predominant groups are of White European, African and Indian heritage. Approximately a quarter of students speak English as an additional language, this is higher than the national average. Levels of attainment on entry are well above the national average. A very small proportion of students have learning difficulties. The school was awarded specialist language college status in September 2006 and has a healthy schools award.