Notre Dame Catholic College is a voluntary aided secondary school located in Liverpool, Merseyside. The school serves students aged 11 to 18 and has a total enrollment of 966 pupils, including 116 in the sixth form. The recent inspection conducted on May 24 and 25, 2022, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as requiring improvement, a continuation from the previous inspection in January 2019. The quality of education was also rated as requiring improvement, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were rated as good.
The school is recognized for its warm and welcoming environment, fostering a sense of community among pupils. Leaders have demonstrated ambition for all students and have made significant strides in improving the school in recent years. Pupils acknowledge that the quality of education has improved compared to the past, although further development of the curriculum is necessary, particularly in key stage four and the sixth form. This has resulted in some students not achieving their full potential in certain subjects.
Pupils feel safe and happy at school, and staff report positively on the changes being implemented. The school emphasizes respect among students and staff, and any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly. Leaders prioritize personal development, with initiatives such as the 'faith in action' group enhancing students' confidence and moral understanding. The school also promotes diversity through active groups that educate pupils about societal differences.
The curriculum in key stage three is well-structured to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. In key stage four, the school offers a broad range of subjects, with an increasing number of pupils studying modern foreign languages. However, the curriculum in key stage four and the sixth form still requires further refinement to ensure that knowledge is taught in a coherent and effective manner.
Teachers possess a strong understanding of their subjects and often utilize their expertise to enhance student learning. While assessment strategies have been introduced, not all teachers implement them effectively, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding. Leaders have invested in reading resources and training to support early readers, resulting in improved reading confidence among pupils.
The school has established a positive behavior environment, with lessons typically proceeding without disruptions. Pupils appreciate the fairness of rewards and sanctions applied by teachers. The personal development curriculum equips students with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities, preparing them for challenges in adulthood. The school also provides effective career guidance, with many students progressing to further education or training after key stage four.
Governors are knowledgeable and provide effective support and challenge to school leaders. Staff feel supported in managing their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and address pupils' needs promptly. Overall, while Notre Dame Catholic College has made commendable progress, there are areas that require further attention to enhance the educational experience and outcomes for all students.
