Ofsted conducted a short inspection of St John’s Catholic Comprehensive on 15 May 2018, with the findings indicating that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education since its last inspection in November 2014. The leadership team, under the guidance of Headteacher Matthew Barron, has fostered a culture of strong pastoral care and impressive academic standards. The commitment to providing high-quality education for all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds, is evident. The staff respects and trusts the leadership team, contributing to high morale within the inclusive environment of the school, which is deeply rooted in a strong Catholic ethos.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, demonstrating kindness and respect towards one another and their teachers. They take pride in their appearance and the upkeep of their school environment. The wide range of extracurricular activities available is appreciated by students, who express enjoyment in participating in these offerings. During lessons, pupils are observed working diligently and effectively utilizing feedback from their teachers. The school has implemented additional support for older pupils to prepare them for public examinations, resulting in high attendance rates, although efforts are ongoing to improve attendance for a small number of students.
The leadership team has established effective systems to monitor teaching quality and its impact on pupil progress. This has led to an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. While most pupils are making strong progress in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, there is recognition of the need for further improvement in subjects such as geography and history. The meticulous tracking of pupil progress allows for timely interventions for those at risk of falling behind, with additional support provided for pupils struggling in mathematics.
Beyond academic achievement, the school prioritizes pupils’ personal development and well-being, including careers education. Leaders ensure that support continues for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds even after they complete Year 11, facilitating successful transitions to sixth form or other colleges. The sixth form is noted for its strong leadership and inclusive environment, offering a well-designed curriculum that caters to a variety of academic and vocational interests, leading to impressive student progress.
Governors play a crucial role in providing both challenge and support to the leadership team, regularly analyzing pupil progress and understanding the school’s strengths and areas needing improvement. They are proactive in attending training and are aware of the financial challenges facing the school, working collaboratively to ensure its continued success. Feedback from parents and pupils is overwhelmingly positive, with many parents expressing confidence in the school’s ability to care for and support their children.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders ensuring that all arrangements meet statutory requirements. Staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about the risks faced by young people, working closely with parents and external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. The curriculum effectively prepares pupils for managing their own safety, with a strong emphasis on respect and understanding of online safety.
The inspection focused on how well the curriculum meets the needs of all pupils, the progress made since the last inspection, and the improvement of disadvantaged pupils’ progress. Leaders have designed an innovative curriculum that engages pupils and builds their confidence, leading to rapid progress, particularly at key stage three. However, there is an ongoing effort to ensure that higher-attaining pupils are adequately challenged in their studies. The school is committed to improving the achievement and attendance of vulnerable pupils, with plans in place to address these areas.
