St Bede’s Catholic High School in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, has been inspected recently, and the overall judgement remains good. The inspection, conducted on 15 and 16 November 2023, highlighted that while the school maintains a good standard, there are indications that a future graded inspection may yield a lower rating. The school has a strong sense of community, with most pupils expressing happiness in their attendance and a sense of belonging. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, actively engage in their learning and demonstrate positive behavior. They are polite and supportive of one another, with initiatives like welcome ambassadors aiding Year 7 students in their transition.
Pupils take pride in their roles of responsibility, such as respect ambassadors and house captains, which fosters their confidence and teamwork skills. They value activities like the school retreat day, which emphasizes kindness and community service. The school sets high expectations for academic achievement, and while many pupils work diligently and aspire to succeed, some do not reach their full potential due to inconsistencies in curriculum delivery across subjects.
The school has made commendable efforts to enhance its curriculum, offering a broader range of subjects and ensuring that pupils can build on their knowledge effectively. In certain subjects, teaching is delivered well, with clear explanations and effective assessment strategies that support learning. However, in other areas, the alignment of activities with subject content is lacking, leading to gaps in knowledge that are not addressed promptly. This inconsistency particularly affects disadvantaged pupils, hindering their progress through the curriculum.
The school has a robust system for identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Additionally, reading programs are meticulously designed to assist those who struggle with reading, especially in key stage three. However, the promotion of reading for pleasure is insufficient, limiting pupils' independent reading habits and their broader understanding of the world.
Pupils understand and adhere to the new behavior systems, contributing to a calm and orderly learning environment. Attendance is prioritized, and effective systems are in place to promote good attendance, resulting in decreasing absence rates. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, encouraging them to be active citizens and engage in community initiatives.
The school supports pupils in making informed career choices through university visits and is enhancing their experiences related to the world of work. Overall, pupils are generally well-prepared for their next steps in education or employment. The governing body is aware of the school's weaknesses and collaborates closely with staff to evaluate the impact of policy changes, contributing to a positive working environment for teachers.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school needs to address certain areas for improvement. Specifically, it should enhance the appropriateness of learning activities to better identify and address gaps in knowledge, ensuring all pupils progress effectively through the curriculum. Additionally, the school must strengthen its oversight of curriculum delivery to address weaknesses and promote a culture of reading for pleasure to foster a love of literature among pupils.
