Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School, located in Widnes, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 5 and 6, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel valued and cared for, contributing to their overall happiness and safety. Students express pride in their school and report that they easily make friends, demonstrating a strong sense of community. The school promotes acceptance of diversity, and pupils trust the leadership to address any bullying incidents effectively.
Behavior in the classroom is commendable, with pupils meeting the high expectations set by school leaders. They are polite, engaged, and take pride in their uniforms. The leadership team, including governors, is dedicated to preparing students for life beyond school, ensuring that the educational experience is well-rounded and ambitious. This commitment is reflected in the achievements of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, which pupils appreciate. They highlighted drama productions, the pride in who you are group, and the sustainable gardening club as examples of the diverse opportunities available. This range of clubs enhances the educational experience and allows students to explore their interests.
Governors and leaders actively seek pupil feedback on various aspects of school life, which informs the development of a broad and ambitious curriculum. Adjustments have been made to strengthen the curriculum, particularly in subjects that comprise the English Baccalaureate, ensuring that more pupils are well-prepared for future studies. Subject leaders have designed ambitious curriculums that build on essential knowledge, allowing pupils to learn and achieve effectively.
Staff are knowledgeable about the curriculum and adept at identifying gaps in pupils' understanding. They work to ensure that knowledge is securely embedded before introducing new content. However, there are instances in a few subjects where some staff may not select the most effective activities to deepen pupils' understanding, leading to gaps in knowledge compared to other subjects.
The school has effective systems for identifying pupils who struggle with reading, and skilled staff provide support to help these pupils become confident readers. Opportunities for reading across the curriculum further enhance pupils' literacy skills. Additionally, the school has robust systems in place to support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to access the curriculum.
Pupils arrive on time and are ready to learn, contributing positively to the classroom environment. Their engagement in lessons is high, and disruptions due to poor behavior are minimal. The personal development curriculum is well-designed, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. They are offered a wide range of clubs and activities that broaden their experiences and knowledge, alongside impartial careers advice to guide their future educational and career choices.
Staff express appreciation for the support they receive from leaders regarding their well-being and workload management. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders ensure that pupils are educated about various risks and how to seek help when needed.
While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement. In a small number of subjects, some pupils do not develop a deep understanding of the material due to less effective teaching strategies. Leaders are encouraged to support teachers in designing approaches that enhance learning and strengthen pupils' knowledge. Overall, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
