Thornleigh Salesian College, located in Bolton, Lancashire, underwent an inspection on 22 and 23 October 2024. The inspection revealed that the quality of education requires improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and sixth-form provision were rated as good. Leadership and management were also found to require improvement. The school has a history of good performance, but recent evaluations indicate areas needing attention.
Students at Thornleigh Salesian College benefit from strong pastoral care and maintain positive relationships with staff, contributing to a calm and purposeful learning environment. Behaviour is well managed, and pupils conduct themselves sensibly during social times. The school has raised its expectations for academic achievement; however, weaknesses in curriculum delivery in certain subjects hinder some pupils from reaching their full potential. This is particularly evident among disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils actively engage in leadership roles such as global leaders and year captains, which fosters their confidence and encourages active citizenship. The school offers a variety of clubs catering for diverse interests, including robotics, gaming, netball, and drama. Additionally, pupils take pride in caring for animals in the St Francis animal garden, reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing compassion and kindness.
The curriculum is broad and well-structured, with a clear sequence of essential knowledge for pupils. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, yet there is inconsistency in curriculum delivery. Some lessons do not adequately meet the needs of all pupils, particularly those with SEND, leading to challenges in knowledge retention and application. Assessment strategies are not consistently applied, resulting in some pupils progressing to new material before fully grasping previous concepts, which affects their overall achievement.
The school has effective systems to identify additional needs among pupils, but sometimes the information provided does not equip staff with the necessary details to adapt their teaching effectively. The emphasis on reading is commendable, with pupils enjoying the refurbished library and receiving support to improve their reading skills.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and adhere to staff instructions. The school closely monitors attendance and provides support to improve it, resulting in most pupils attending regularly. The personal development program is well-structured, promoting understanding of different faiths and encouraging reflection through activities like ‘sacred time.’ Pupils participate in various events that enhance their social skills and understanding of healthy relationships.
Recent initiatives have focused on staff well-being, with positive feedback on changes such as weekly celebration briefings. However, the governing body has faced challenges in holding the school accountable, and while recent strengthening efforts have been made, more time is needed to effect lasting change. The school lacks rigorous processes to monitor its effectiveness, which hampers its ability to identify key areas for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance the quality of education, the school must support teachers in designing activities that consolidate learning, ensure consistent application of assessment strategies, and strengthen quality assurance processes to accurately evaluate educational effectiveness. By addressing these areas, Thornleigh Salesian College can work towards improving its overall educational provision and outcomes for all pupils.
