St Joseph's School
St Stephen's Hill, Launceston, PL15 8HN
Pupils
248
Ages
4 - 16
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr Oliver Scott
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£2,020 to £5,120
ISC Associations
ISA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Interdenominational
Bursaries
Available
About St Joseph's School
Located in the charming town of Launceston, St Joseph’s School offers a unique educational experience with its interdenominational ethos. Catering to both boys and girls aged four to 16, the school provides a co-educational environment that fosters inclusivity and diversity. With a focus on day schooling, it ensures that students receive a balanced education while remaining connected to their families and local community.
The school prides itself on its commitment to nurturing the academic and personal growth of its students. The curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, offering a wide range of subjects including Mathematics, English, Science, History, and Geography. The emphasis on a broad curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared for future academic pursuits and are equipped with the skills necessary for lifelong learning.
One of the standout features of the school is its dedication to the arts. Students have the opportunity to explore their creative talents through subjects such as Music, Drama, and Art. These programmes not only enhance artistic skills but also contribute to the development of confidence and self-expression. The school frequently hosts performances and exhibitions, allowing students to showcase their talents to the wider community.
Sports and physical education are also integral to the school’s ethos. With a variety of sports on offer, including football, netball, and athletics, students are encouraged to participate in physical activities that promote teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. The school’s facilities support these activities, providing ample space and resources for students to engage in both competitive and recreational sports.
The wellbeing of students is a top priority, and the school has implemented a comprehensive support system to ensure that each child feels valued and supported. The pastoral care team works closely with students, offering guidance and assistance in both academic and personal matters. Additionally, the Head of Learning Support is available to provide tailored support for students with specific learning needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Extra-curricular activities play a significant role in the school’s community, offering students the chance to explore interests beyond the classroom. Clubs and societies, ranging from chess to environmental groups, provide a platform for students to develop new skills and form lasting friendships. These activities are designed to complement the academic curriculum and contribute to a well-rounded education.
The school maintains strong ties with parents and the local community, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits students’ learning experiences. Regular communication between teachers and parents ensures that families are kept informed of their child’s progress and any developments within the school. Community events and open days further strengthen these relationships, creating a supportive network for students.
In summary, St Joseph’s School in Launceston offers a comprehensive and inclusive education that caters to the diverse needs of its students. With a focus on academic excellence, creative expression, and personal development, the school provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive. Its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community makes it a standout choice for families seeking a well-rounded education for their children.
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ISI Review
St Joseph's School, located in Launceston, Cornwall, is an independent school that has undergone significant development since its founding in the early 1900s. Originally established as a convent school by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, it transitioned to a charitable trust in 1984, now governed by a board of governors. The school aims to nurture each child as an individual, fostering both academic and personal growth in a supportive environment. It serves a mixed-gender population of 232 pupils aged 3 to 16, with a strong emphasis on creating a community that values both academic achievement and extracurricular activities.
The school has a well-defined structure, with a head teacher, Mrs. Sue Rowe, and a chair of governors, Mrs. Margaret Warren. The educational philosophy emphasizes equal importance on academic success and broader curricular areas, including arts, sports, and music. The school has made significant investments in facilities, including a new sports field and outdoor classrooms, enhancing the learning environment for its pupils.
The inspection report highlights that the overall quality of pupils' achievements and learning is good, reflecting the school's commitment to nurturing individual potential. Pupils demonstrate excellent attitudes towards learning, showing enthusiasm and engagement in their studies. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has been particularly noted for its strong individual planning, which supports children's learning effectively. The school provides a wide range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities, contributing to pupils' overall development.
Pupils' personal development is also commendable, with a strong emphasis on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural growth. They exhibit high levels of confidence, courtesy, and compassion towards others, fostering a supportive school community. The school encourages pupils to take responsibility and engage in charitable activities, further enhancing their social awareness.
Governance and leadership at St Joseph's School have been effective in driving improvements and addressing previous inspection recommendations. The governors and senior leadership team have worked collaboratively to enhance educational experiences, particularly in areas such as information and communication technology (ICT) and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). However, the inspection identified some areas for improvement, particularly regarding compliance with regulatory requirements related to staff recruitment checks and risk management.
Teaching quality is generally good, with many lessons being excellent. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and engage pupils effectively, fostering a positive learning environment. However, there are opportunities for improvement in meeting the needs of the most able pupils, as some lessons do not challenge them sufficiently. Marking practices also vary, with some feedback lacking the depth needed to guide pupils in their improvement.
The school's curriculum is broad and well-structured, catering for the needs of all pupils. The EYFS provides a rich learning environment, with excellent resources and opportunities for outdoor learning. The curriculum is flexible, allowing for individual tailoring to meet the diverse needs of pupils. Extracurricular activities are abundant, offering pupils the chance to explore various interests and develop their talents.
Pastoral care is a significant strength of the school, with staff providing effective support and guidance. The school fosters a safe and nurturing environment, where pupils feel valued and respected. Behaviour management is effective, promoting a culture of respect and responsibility among pupils. The school has established robust systems for monitoring welfare concerns, ensuring that pupils' safety and well-being are prioritized.
Despite the positive aspects, the inspection report noted that some statutory requirements have not been fully met, particularly regarding staff recruitment processes and the maintenance of accurate records. The school is taking steps to address these issues promptly. Overall, St Joseph's School is characterized by a strong commitment to academic and personal development, with a supportive community that encourages pupils to thrive. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that the school remains a nurturing and effective educational environment for all its pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024