Finchley Catholic High School, located in Finchley, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 26 and 27, 2023. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming environment where pupils exhibit strong behavior and attitudes. The leadership has established effective routines that are consistently followed, fostering respect among students and staff. The presence of Beth, the therapy dog, contributes to enhancing the mental health of the pupils, providing them with additional support.
Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school's efforts in facilitating their children's transition from primary to secondary education. Students in the sixth form have reported feeling welcomed and respected, highlighting the leadership's commitment to ensuring a smooth start for new Year 12 students. The school maintains high expectations for academic achievement and interpersonal conduct, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive a comprehensive education across a diverse range of subjects.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including science clubs, language food clubs, and chess clubs, which are well-received by students. Additionally, independent careers advice is provided to encourage pupils to aspire towards ambitious futures. The leadership has worked closely with staff to enhance the curriculum, ensuring that it effectively builds pupils' knowledge over time. For instance, in art, Year 7 students learn to analyze color in stained glass, while Year 11 students apply these skills to evaluate the works of renowned artists.
Teachers at Finchley Catholic High School possess strong subject knowledge, which aids in delivering the curriculum effectively. They generally provide clear explanations to facilitate learning, resulting in high-quality work from pupils across various subjects. While teachers typically check for understanding, there are instances where misconceptions are not addressed promptly, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding of key concepts. This indicates a need for improvement in ensuring that all pupils grasp the essential knowledge being taught.
The school has established clear expectations for pupil behavior, and when challenges arise, leaders work collaboratively with families to support improvements. The sixth form students demonstrate maturity and ambition, contributing to an uninterrupted learning environment. Attendance and punctuality have been prioritized, with successful initiatives implemented to enhance overall attendance rates post-COVID-19.
The school has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. A culture of reading is promoted, with dedicated time allocated for reading for pleasure, and support is provided for weaker readers to boost their confidence and fluency.
Finchley Catholic High School organizes numerous educational visits and guest lectures, motivating pupils to pursue ambitious career paths. Work experience opportunities are arranged for students in Years 10 and 12, equipping them with essential skills for the workplace. The leadership is committed to improving educational quality and provides staff with necessary training, maintaining an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there is a need for the school to enhance its approach to checking pupils' understanding and addressing misconceptions consistently across all subjects. This will ensure that all students have a solid grasp of the key knowledge required for their academic success. Overall, Finchley Catholic High School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
