Ss John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High School in Colne, Lancashire, was inspected on 10 and 11 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, which is consistent with its previous inspection grade. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management were also rated as requiring improvement, while personal development was rated as good.
Most pupils expressed happiness about attending the school and looked forward to the completion of new facilities. They reported that staff address bullying incidents promptly and effectively, contributing to a sense of safety. While most pupils behave well, some disruptions in lessons were noted, affecting the learning environment. The school has high expectations for pupil achievement, with some subjects showing improvement, although others lag behind.
Pupils appreciate the growing number of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports, and take pride in community involvement. The school is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-structured in many subjects, with teachers demonstrating secure subject knowledge and clear explanations, particularly benefiting pupils in key stage three.
Training has been provided to help teachers assess pupil knowledge effectively, but inconsistencies remain in some subjects, leading to gaps in learning. The school has implemented a comprehensive reading program, encouraging regular reading from diverse texts and providing support for those struggling with reading. However, improvements are needed in identifying and addressing the needs of pupils with SEND, as some teachers lack the necessary information to support these students effectively.
Behavior management has been refined, but some staff reported inconsistencies in addressing low-level disruptions. The school has updated its personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum to prepare pupils for modern life, and pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in competitions.
Leaders have identified urgent priorities for improvement, including strengthening staffing and updating policies. However, some staff feel they need more support to implement changes effectively. Parents and carers appreciate the communication regarding their children's learning.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring pupil safety and well-being. To improve, the school needs to enhance assessment strategies to ensure pupils are ready for new learning, particularly for those with SEND. Consistent application of behavior policies is necessary to minimize disruptions in lessons. Additionally, staff support for implementing recent changes must be strengthened to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum.
Overall, while the school has made strides in certain areas, significant work remains to address the identified weaknesses and ensure that all pupils receive the quality of education they deserve. The commitment to improvement is evident, and with continued focus on these areas, the school can work towards achieving a higher standard of educational excellence.
