St Augustine’s Federated Schools: CE High School in London was inspected on 7 and 8 March 2023, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has a strong vision centered on faith, hope, and love, with core values of kindness and inclusion guiding its operations. Leaders have developed a broad curriculum that encourages pupils to understand and respect differences among people, promoting a culture that challenges stereotypes. High expectations are set for pupil behavior, and the school environment is described as safe, happy, and well-cared for, with effective management of behavior by staff.
The school has a robust approach to addressing bullying and discriminatory language, ensuring that pupils behave well and contribute to a calm and purposeful atmosphere. Relationships between staff and pupils are respectful, and pupils engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including fundraising for charities and participating in various workshops and projects. The curriculum is ambitious, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively across subjects. For instance, in English, Year 7 pupils learn to identify key themes in poetry, which they build upon in subsequent years.
Teachers generally demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, although there are instances where expectations for pupil work are not consistently high. While leaders prioritize reading and provide enrichment opportunities, there are occasions when teaching does not adequately address pupils' misconceptions, impacting their readiness to learn new content. The school effectively identifies and meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support in the classroom.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and around the school, with low levels of disruption. However, there are times when some pupils lose focus, and staff do not always support them in maintaining concentration. The school promotes personal development through a thoughtful curriculum that encourages pupils to debate various opinions and beliefs. The student leadership group plays an active role in organizing events, and pupils participate in numerous visits and experiences.
The careers program is exceptional, providing all pupils with guidance on future education and employment options. Sixth-form students receive support in writing applications for universities and apprenticeships, including personal interviews and work-based opportunities. The school is considerate of staff workload and well-being, offering professional development opportunities and effective governance that challenges and supports school leaders.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with clear systems in place and a strong culture of responsibility among staff. Training ensures that staff can identify and report safeguarding concerns, and leaders respond promptly to any issues. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe and know how to report concerns.
To improve, the school should focus on ensuring that teaching consistently identifies and clarifies pupils' misunderstandings, enabling them to be fully prepared for new content. Additionally, leaders should work to maintain high expectations for pupil engagement and the quality of work produced. Overall, St Augustine’s Federated Schools: CE High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
