Ofsted conducted a short inspection of John F Kennedy Catholic School on 28 March 2017, following its previous judgment of good in October 2012. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld the standards of teaching and learning, fostering an environment where pupils, staff, and leaders embody the core values of inspire, achieve, and serve. Pupils arrive at school happy, behave well, and show appreciation for the care and education provided by their teachers. They are encouraged to value and celebrate their uniqueness within the school community, with staff actively engaging in their emotional and academic journeys.
The school promotes a strong community spirit, with pupils enjoying opportunities to collaborate across year groups, such as during the annual summer concert. The range of extracurricular activities, including drama, art, chess, and sports clubs, is highly regarded by students and parents alike, contributing positively to pupils' confidence and personal development. The inspection focused on how the school has addressed areas for improvement identified in the previous inspection. Despite changes in staffing, the quality of teaching remains strong, with leaders implementing robust assessment practices that provide clearer guidance for challenging pupils to achieve more.
The sixth form has seen steady improvements, particularly in supporting disadvantaged pupils, which has positively impacted their aspirations and future career paths. Students engage in various community service opportunities, enhancing their sense of responsibility and connection to others. However, securing high-quality work placements for all students remains a challenge.
Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, particularly regarding the support provided for their children's personal development and special educational needs. The school’s commitment to safeguarding is evident, with pupils feeling safe and well-informed about various safety issues, including online safety and substance abuse. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures, ensuring that appropriate referrals are made when necessary.
The inspection highlighted that outcomes for pupils have improved year on year, with significant progress noted in English and mathematics. Disadvantaged pupils have made progress in line with national averages, although some gaps remain. Leaders have taken steps to ensure that current pupils are better prepared to meet government achievement measures, focusing on improving the attendance and achievement of disadvantaged pupils.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs, with effective strategies in place to enhance their learning experiences. The special educational needs coordinator has played a crucial role in improving the quality of provision, ensuring that staff are equipped to meet the diverse needs of these pupils.
Moving forward, the school leadership is encouraged to ensure that middle leaders utilize pupil work more effectively to challenge and guide students, particularly those who are disadvantaged. Additionally, senior leaders should regularly review their impact on improving standards for disadvantaged pupils to measure the effectiveness of their strategies. Overall, the inspection affirmed the school's commitment to providing a supportive and high-quality educational experience for all its students.
