All Hallows Catholic High School, located in Penwortham, Preston, has received an outstanding rating in its recent inspection conducted on February 8 and 9, 2023. The school has consistently demonstrated excellence across various aspects, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school’s curriculum is meticulously designed to cater to the interests and needs of its pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Pupils thrive in this supportive environment, achieving high academic standards and developing as confident and respectful individuals.
Students express a strong sense of safety and acceptance within the school community, where they feel free to be themselves. They actively participate in upholding the school’s ethos and exhibit exemplary behavior, supporting one another and addressing any instances of bullying effectively. The school fosters a culture of tolerance and inclusion, enriched by a variety of extracurricular activities that extend beyond the academic curriculum. Regular retreats and team-building activities provide pupils with opportunities for spiritual reflection and moral exploration, emphasizing service to others and societal contributions.
The leadership team and teachers at All Hallows are ambitious for all pupils, ensuring a well-structured curriculum that encompasses a broad range of essential knowledge across subjects. This approach allows pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively, particularly as they prepare for examinations. The increasing number of pupils opting for the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects reflects the school’s commitment to academic rigor. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are also supported exceptionally well, achieving high standards alongside their peers.
Curriculum leaders collaborate to identify key concepts for pupil learning, ensuring that important knowledge is revisited and built upon. Teachers skillfully assess pupils’ understanding, addressing misconceptions and gaps in learning to foster a comprehensive understanding of subject matter. The school prioritizes reading across all subjects, encouraging pupils to engage with ambitious vocabulary and reading strategies. Initiatives such as paired reading between older and younger pupils promote fluency and a love for reading.
Pupils display mature attitudes and take pride in their learning, contributing to a positive school environment where teachers can focus on delivering the curriculum without disruption. The extensive range of experiences provided by the school enriches pupils’ development, teaching them about safety, online awareness, and relevant social issues. Pupils are encouraged to engage in discussions about complex topics, helping them navigate the challenges faced by young people today.
The school’s commitment to preparing pupils for their future is evident in its tailored careers guidance program, which meets individual needs and ensures pupils are ready for their next steps. The governing body and school leaders are reflective and proactive, continually seeking ways to enhance pupil well-being and educational quality. Staff express pride in their work environment, feeling supported in their roles and sharing a collective passion for improvement.
Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with leaders effectively managing concerns and ensuring timely referrals to external agencies when necessary. Staff receive regular training, fostering a culture of vigilance that prioritizes pupil safety. Pupils feel secure and know they can turn to trusted adults for support. Overall, All Hallows Catholic High School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing and ambitious environment for all its pupils.
