Saint Pius X Catholic High School, located in Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, underwent an inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, which reflects ongoing challenges in delivering a consistent quality of education. While the school provides a safe and welcoming environment for pupils, with staff who are attentive to their needs, the academic performance does not meet the expectations set by the school itself or the national standards.
The quality of education varies significantly across different subjects. In some areas, pupils demonstrate enthusiasm and a solid understanding of the curriculum, benefiting from strong support from their teachers. However, this level of engagement and understanding is not uniform throughout the school. Consequently, many pupils do not achieve their full potential in public examinations, indicating weaknesses in both the curriculum and its delivery.
The school offers various enrichment opportunities, such as residential retreats for key stage three pupils, which enhance their learning experience and reinforce the school's values. Expectations for pupil behavior are clear, and the school effectively addresses instances of bullying, contributing to a sense of safety among students.
The curriculum aligns with national standards, particularly in subjects like history, where learning objectives are well-defined and sequenced. This clarity allows teachers to focus on incremental learning, leading to better pupil outcomes. However, in several subjects, the curriculum lacks the same level of structure, resulting in teachers being unclear about lesson objectives. This inconsistency can hinder pupils' ability to build a comprehensive understanding of the material.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same curriculum as their peers, and the school provides teachers with the necessary information to support these students effectively. Nonetheless, there are instances where the strategies employed do not fully address the individual needs of these pupils.
The school recognizes the importance of promoting reading and has implemented new strategies to support pupils, particularly those in the early stages of learning. While some initiatives have shown success, there is a need for increased support for pupils in key stage four to ensure they do not fall behind.
Personal, social, and health education lessons equip pupils with essential knowledge about online safety and healthy relationships. The school also has a robust careers guidance program, offering work experience and opportunities to engage with external speakers, which helps pupils make informed decisions about their future.
Attendance rates are generally good, but there is a notable concern regarding the persistent absence of pupils eligible for the pupil premium grant. This group is more likely to miss school, which adversely affects their learning and overall achievement.
Governance at the school reflects a shared ambition for pupil success, yet there has been insufficient scrutiny regarding the quality of education provided. Actions taken to improve educational outcomes have not consistently focused on the most critical areas, leading to a lack of significant progress in some respects.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare prioritized. However, the school must address the inconsistencies in educational quality across subjects and enhance its strategies to support disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. By doing so, the school can work towards achieving a more uniform standard of education that meets the needs of all its pupils.
