Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School is a larger-than-average secondary school located in London, which has recently been rated as outstanding following an inspection in October 2014. The school has a strong leadership team, led by an ambitious headteacher and supported by dedicated governors who hold the school accountable for its performance. The strategic decisions made by the leadership have contributed to the sustained high performance and continuous improvement of the school. The school provides exceptional pastoral support, ensuring that all students remain engaged and motivated to learn. This support is particularly effective for vulnerable students and those with special educational needs, who achieve well from their starting points.
The academic achievement of students is notably high across a wide range of subjects, with almost all students making exceptional progress. The school’s curriculum is dynamic and well-planned, tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with specific learning requirements. The extensive range of extracurricular activities further enriches the educational experience, promoting a well-rounded development for students. The school also emphasizes the importance of understanding different faiths and lifestyles, fostering tolerance and respect among students, which aligns with the promotion of fundamental British values.
The sixth form provision is outstanding, offering a balanced mix of academic and vocational courses. Students in the sixth form achieve very well and are well-prepared for higher education or training. The school has established strong support structures to ensure that students receive the guidance they need to succeed in their studies. The transition from Year 11 to the sixth form is smooth, with students reporting that they settle quickly into their new environment.
During the inspection, teaching was found to be consistently good and improving, with teachers effectively engaging students through a variety of interesting activities. The use of questioning to challenge students’ thinking is a strong aspect of the teaching practice. While written feedback on students’ work is provided, there is room for improvement in ensuring that this feedback is consistently effective and that students respond to it.
The behaviour and safety of students are outstanding, with students demonstrating excellent attitudes towards learning and showing respect for each other and the school environment. The school’s efforts to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere contribute significantly to students’ readiness to learn. Attendance rates are well above national averages, and instances of poor behaviour are rare.
Governance at the school is robust, with governors actively involved in monitoring the school’s performance and ensuring that funding is used effectively to support student achievement. They are committed to continuous improvement and are knowledgeable about the school’s strengths and areas for development.
Overall, Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School is an outstanding institution that provides a high-quality education, fostering both academic success and personal development for all its students. The school’s commitment to excellence is evident in its leadership, teaching quality, and the supportive environment it creates for its students.
