The Catholic School of Saint Gregory the Great in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, was inspected on 10 and 11 October 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong focus on providing a high-quality education and prioritizes the personal development of its pupils. Staff members are dedicated to forming positive relationships with students, which fosters a sense of belonging and safety. Pupils are motivated to work hard and generally demonstrate positive behavior in lessons. When minor disruptions occur, staff address them promptly to maintain a conducive learning environment.
The curriculum is well-organized and designed to help pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for success. Teachers effectively revisit prior learning to reinforce key concepts. However, there are some subjects where the curriculum improvements are recent, leading to a lack of depth in knowledge compared to other areas. The school aspires for every pupil to become a fluent reader, starting phonics instruction in Reception Year. While staff are well-equipped to teach phonics, some pupils in the early stages of reading do not receive enough practice, which affects their reading fluency and accuracy.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive high-quality support, with the school quickly identifying their needs and making necessary adaptations. This ensures that these pupils can learn effectively and achieve well. The school collaborates closely with pre-school providers to ensure appropriate support is in place from the start of Reception Year. The pastoral support provided is integral to the school's operations.
Pupils engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, which contribute to their personal development and self-esteem. They actively participate in clubs such as cheerleading and street dance, and they value the diverse opportunities available to them. The school promotes a strong sense of responsibility and citizenship among pupils, who are encouraged to look after one another and stand against injustice. The school’s motto of believe and achieve resonates with pupils, who treat each other with respect and celebrate diversity.
Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the support provided to both pupils and families. Many parents feel that the school goes above and beyond to ensure their children receive a good education and are well cared for. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and supported.
Despite the overall positive findings, the inspection highlighted areas for improvement. In some subjects, the school needs to clarify the specific knowledge it wants pupils to learn and remember, as this impacts their ability to connect new learning with prior knowledge. Additionally, the school must ensure that pupils in the early stages of reading have sufficient opportunities to practice their phonics and reading skills to enhance their fluency and confidence.
The school has a strong foundation and is committed to continuous improvement, aiming to provide an excellent educational experience for all its pupils. The leadership team is focused on addressing the identified areas for development to further enhance the quality of education and support provided to students.
