Ofsted Inspection

The School Ofsted Report 2009

The report describes many strengths of the school and judges it to be good with a grade 2 in three categories and satisfactory with a grade 3 in three categories. The areas judged to be good were the school's curriculum, the school's personal development and well-being, and students' care, guidance and support. The areas judged to be satisfactory were students' overall achievements and standards, teaching and learning, and overall leadership and management.

The judgement of satisfactory in three categories is slightly disappointing, given the enormous efforts made, and the success achieved, in raising academic standards over the past three years. The report does note the impressive increase in the proportion of students gaining success in five A*-C grades at GCSE and demonstrates the schools' sound capacity to secure further improvement.

The school received praise for the personel development of students, for their contribution to the school and the wider community (a "real strength"), and for the fact that students are well prepared to live in our diverse society. The Inspectors also noted that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are good, and enhanced by the schools Catholic ethos and values.

The school's curriculum was praised, particularly at KS4, with the wider choice of subjects and options available. The Inspectors noted also the wide range of enrichment activities including hobbies, educational trips and opportunities for the gifted and talented, as well as the outstanding contribution made by Sports College status to curriculum provision within PE.

These quotes are taken directly from the recent Ofsted report, crown copyright Ofsted 2009

Overall effectiveness of the school

" A focus on improving outcomes for middle attaining students in Key Stage 4 has led to a greater proportion of students attaining five or more higher grade GCSEs, including English and mathematics."

"The good curriculum provides students with a wide range of academic and vocational courses in the main school. Initiatives implemented through the school's sports specialism are contributing effectively to the curriculum and students' personal development."

"Students' personal development and well-being are good, as are the care, guidance and support they receive. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good, enhanced by the school's Catholic ethos and values. The school assembly seen during the inspection was outstanding, raising awareness of cultural diversity and promoting spiritual reflection and community cohesion. It provided students with an inspirational start to the day."

"Students enjoy school. Attendance is above the national average. Relationships between all groups are particularly impressive. The great majority of students behave well."

"Students' have a good understanding of how to keep safe and their contribution to the school and wider community is impressive and preparing them well for adult life."

Effectiveness of the Sixth Form

"The pass rate at A level is above the national average."

"Students' personal development and well-being are good. They make a good contribution to the whole-school community and they relish opportunities to take on responsibilities offered."

"Students are also very active in charity work and a significant number work as Red Caps on the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes."

"The sport specialist status has enabled students to have access to a wide range of extra-curricular provision, and the on-site farm adds to students' opportunities to explore environmental issues."

"Students speak highly of the strong pastoral support they receive."

"High quality teaching leads to standards that are well above the national expectations in physical education"

Personal Development and well-being (Good)

"Behaviour, both in lessons and around the school, is good. Students are courteous to their peers, to staff and to visitors. Students assert, and school research clearly shows, that bullying is rare."

"Students have a good understanding of different cultures. They are well prepared for living in our diverse society. The school has extensive sporting, cultural and charitable links with both the local and global communities."

"The school's sports specialism contributes much to the students' good healthy lifestyles."

"The school council provides an effective student voice. It plays a full part in school decision-making, including having a regular role in the appointment of members of the teaching staff. This, together with the many enrichment activities provided through the curriculum, helps students to develop self-confidence and other skills that prepare them well for their futures."

Quality of Provision Teaching and Learning

"Good relationships permeate lessons and set a positive climate for learning. Teachers share the learning objectives with students from the outset so they are generally clear about the purpose of the lesson. Good subject knowledge enables teachers to explain key ideas well."

"In the best lessons teachers use challenging questioning and a range of approaches that ensure students are active learners who share ideas and show initiative. Students clearly enjoy these lessons."

Curriculum and other activities (Good)

"Good provision in the main school meets the needs and aspirations of students and their parents very well, particularly at Key Stage 4. An increasing emphasis on personalised programmes ensures that almost all students follow their preferred options. Triple science, French and German, and English language and literature are on offer for students pursuing academic qualifications. An increasing number of vocational courses, such as Business and Technology Education Council and college courses in construction, are improving opportunities for a wider range of studies for 14- to 19-year-olds."

"Large numbers of students take part in a wide range of enrichment activities including hobbies, educational trips and opportunities for the gifted and talented."

"Over 50 students participated in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the past academic year."

"Sports College status makes an outstanding contribution to curriculum provision within PE."

"The curriculum is responsive to the interests and needs of students."

"A core 'aesthetic' option, whereby students learn dance, trampoline and self-defence, has been introduced with a view to promoting long-term healthy lifestyles."

Care, guidance and support (Good)

"At the time of the inspection, the school met all safeguarding, child protection and health and safety requirements. Indeed, it maintains them in an exemplary manner. Students feel safe around the school and in the local environment. Should they have a problem, they are confident about finding an adult to help them resolve it."

"Attendance is good, supported by the work of the attendance officer who makes an outstanding contribution to maintaining it at this level"

"The school has a comprehensive programme to ensure that students know their targets and that these are reviewed and updated."

"Strong links with primary schools ensure a smooth transfer to Year 7."

"Students in Year 11 are equally well supported with specialist help and careers guidance"

Leadership and Management

"The increasing effectiveness of the sports specialism and the impressive increase in the proportion of students' gaining success in five A* to C grades at GCSE demonstrate the school's sound capacity to secure further improvement."

"A real strength of the school are the steps it takes, both within its own community and beyond, to promote community cohesion. Partnerships with other agencies, including local schools and colleges, are also good."

"Over the last three years increasing numbers of students gained five or more higher grade GCSEs, including English and mathematics, because of the additional support provided by the school."

"The great range of sporting and outdoor activities (and) the school's strong Catholic ethos supports spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well."

"(The school makes) an effective contribution to the school, local and global communities. Staff give good care, support and guidance and pupils value their support."

"Senior leaders are committed to securing a good education for everyone."