St Patrick’s RC High School in Eccles, Manchester, underwent an inspection on 21 and 22 June 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has maintained a positive environment where pupils are polite, welcoming, and eager to showcase their school. They express pride in their institution, highlighting the culture of tolerance and open-mindedness. Instances of bullying or discrimination are addressed effectively, ensuring that pupils feel safe and happy. The leadership team sets high expectations for both achievement and conduct, which is reflected in the mature attitudes of the students. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to learn effectively.
Pupils exhibit calm and orderly behavior in lessons and during social times, contributing to a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning. They engage in collaborative discussions and debates, demonstrating confidence in their learning. Many pupils take on roles as peer mentors and actively participate in charity work, showcasing their understanding of equality and community responsibility. The personal development curriculum is comprehensive, promoting kindness and acceptance among students.
The school has made significant strides in enhancing the curriculum, particularly at key stage three, where leaders have thoughtfully considered the knowledge pupils need to acquire. However, in a few subjects, curriculum development is still in progress, particularly in Year 9, as leaders focus on addressing learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the curriculum is generally ambitious, some subject leaders are still refining their content to ensure it meets high standards.
In key stage four, the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects is central to the curriculum, with pupils having a wide range of options that align with their interests and aspirations. The school supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve well. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, effectively delivering curriculum content and fostering a desire to learn. They prioritize vocabulary development and employ various strategies to help pupils retain knowledge.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with leaders quickly identifying those who require assistance. Teachers receive comprehensive information to help these pupils access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with numerous activities designed to cultivate a love for reading among pupils. While younger pupils receive effective support to improve their reading skills, some older pupils still struggle, which can hinder their access to the wider curriculum.
The school’s leadership is effective, with governors actively challenging leaders on educational quality. Staff appreciate the measures taken to reduce workload and enhance well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of risk and act promptly to ensure pupils receive necessary support. Pupils are educated on staying safe both online and in their communities.
To improve further, leaders need to finalize the curriculum for Year 9 and ensure that all subjects provide ambitious content. Additionally, they should focus on supporting older pupils who struggle with reading to help them catch up and access the curriculum effectively. Overall, St Patrick’s RC High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils.
