St Benedict's is a larger than average Catholic high school, which serves a wide catchment area in West Cumbria.

[citation needed] In July 2018 staff balloted for strike action amid claims of a "toxic" atmosphere.

The concerns included a "toxic atmosphere" in the school, with worries over "a culture of fear and intimidation".

Courses offered at the sixth form include sociology, history, philosophy and ethics, and the sciences.

[citation needed] The Sixth form achieves a high percentage[quantify] of students moving on to universities.