Ofsted Report Strengths

These are quotes from the Ofsted report, 2009

"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."

"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."

"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."

“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

“Students are courteous to their peers, to staff and to visitors”

"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 use challenging questioning and a range of approaches that ensure students are active learners who share ideas and show initiative."

Curriculum and other activities

“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”

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

"The school meets 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."

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.”

"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."

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