Saint Gabriel’s College, located on Langton Road in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 17 and 18, 2024. The school fosters a caring and inclusive environment, emphasizing a strong sense of community among its students and staff. The ethos of the school is encapsulated in the ‘SGC Way,’ which guides all aspects of school life. Students describe the school as welcoming and familial, exhibiting good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school premises.
The school acknowledges the challenges faced by many of its pupils and their families, striving to create a culture of aspiration through a broad curriculum that exposes students to diverse experiences. Staff members are dedicated to the success of their pupils, and significant improvements have been made to the curriculum in recent years, although these changes are not yet fully reflected in the latest published outcomes.
A notable aspect of the school is its commitment to supporting pupils who speak English as an additional language. The school celebrates the linguistic diversity of its community and encourages students to assist one another in their learning. Various clubs and activities, such as workshops run by Latin American Women’s Aid, further enhance the inclusive atmosphere.
The curriculum has undergone substantial revisions, providing clarity on what students should learn and when. Leaders have developed a comprehensive curriculum that is supplemented by additional opportunities, such as music lessons for Year 7 students. However, there have been challenges with the outcomes for specific pupil groups in published examinations, prompting the school to take action to address these issues. Leaders have carefully considered the content of the curriculum, ensuring that each new topic is anchored by significant concepts. While teachers effectively support students in connecting new knowledge with prior learning, some gaps in understanding remain in certain subjects.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and frequently check for student understanding. However, there are instances where misconceptions are not addressed with the necessary precision, leading to ongoing misunderstandings among students. In most subjects, teachers utilize individual learning plans to adapt tasks for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school prioritizes reading, with every pupil participating in the ‘Read to Succeed’ program, which has bolstered students' confidence in their reading abilities.
High expectations are set for students at Saint Gabriel’s College, where staff are genuinely invested in their education and well-being. Students take pride in their work and are motivated to earn rewards for their learning. The school’s pastoral care is a significant strength, with staff knowing individual students well and fostering a supportive environment. Attendance is generally positive, but the school is committed to further improvements in this area.
The personal development curriculum is well-structured, teaching students about positive relationships and online safety. The school effectively prepares students for their future endeavors, including an annual careers fair and a variety of extracurricular activities that build confidence and character.
While the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. Specifically, the rigor of checking students’ understanding in some subjects needs enhancement to ensure that misconceptions are identified and addressed. Additionally, teaching practices should focus on helping students retain long-term knowledge, enabling them to integrate new information into broader subject concepts. Overall, Saint Gabriel’s College continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students.
