St Catherine’s RC School in Barnet, Hertfordshire, was inspected on 22 and 23 June 2022, and the overall effectiveness was rated as good. The school has a strong community where pupils feel proud and valued. They appreciate the emphasis on celebrating differences and enjoy positive relationships with staff and families. The school environment fosters safety and well-being, with staff knowing the pupils well and addressing any concerns, including bullying, effectively.
Pupils demonstrate a good standard of work across various subjects, driven by high expectations from teachers. The classroom environment is designed to enhance learning, with innovative practices such as ‘shoeless learning’ in key stage two, which pupils report helps them concentrate better. The enthusiasm for learning is evident, as pupils are happy, polite, and articulate, actively engaging in lessons and contributing ideas for school improvement through the school council. They also benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities that enrich their educational experience.
The school excels in teaching reading, with well-trained teachers who regularly assess pupil progress and provide support when needed. Pupils read books that align with their learning, and there is a strong focus on developing vocabulary to enhance reading fluency and success in other subjects. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured in subjects like history, mathematics, and music, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge and understand complex ideas. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in science and geography, where the essential knowledge for pupils has not been clearly identified, leading to challenges in lesson focus and difficulty levels.
Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities thrive due to the understanding and support provided by teachers and staff. In the early years, strong relationships are quickly established, creating a safe and happy environment for children. They are given ample opportunities to play and explore, which fosters confident communication. Nonetheless, there are gaps in vocabulary development that need addressing to prepare children for future learning.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils to respect and value diverse cultures and faiths. Leadership opportunities are provided through roles such as house and sports captains. Pupils conduct themselves well, remaining engaged in their learning and rarely disrupting others.
Leadership at the school is effective, with leaders and governors aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Staff feel supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment. The partnership with parents is strong, with many expressing satisfaction with the school.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of risk and respond appropriately. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure pupils and families receive necessary support, particularly regarding online safety.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that teachers have a clear understanding of the knowledge and vocabulary pupils need to learn across all subjects. This will help build a cumulative understanding over time and better prepare pupils for future academic challenges. Overall, St Catherine’s RC School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
