Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School in Hyndburn has undergone a recent inspection, with the evaluation conducted on September 29 and 30, 2021. The school has received an overall effectiveness rating of good, marking a significant improvement from its previous inspection grade of requires improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Mount Carmel feel safe and happy, enjoying their learning experiences and the time spent with friends. They appreciate the support and care provided by the staff, expressing confidence that their concerns will be addressed. The school promotes high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This commitment is evident in the ambitious curriculum designed by the school leaders, which encourages participation in various clubs and activities, fostering responsibility, confidence, and independence among pupils.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a calm atmosphere observed in the corridors. The school has established effective behavior systems that pupils find fair, and any incidents of poor behavior are dealt with promptly. The school environment is respectful, with a strong stance against bullying, and pupils report that such incidents are managed effectively when they occur.
The curriculum is ambitious and caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs. There has been an increase in the number of pupils, including disadvantaged students, studying a range of academic subjects in Years 10 and 11. Subject leaders have developed detailed curriculum plans that allow pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. Teachers utilize assessment strategies to check understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly, which helps pupils, including those with disadvantages and special educational needs, to overcome challenges and deepen their learning.
The school promotes reading across the curriculum, with pupils benefiting from regular reading lessons. However, there is a need for improvement in supporting pupils who struggle with reading, as they do not receive sufficient assistance to develop their reading fluency and accuracy. The school has effective behavior systems in place, allowing pupils to learn without distractions, and they engage actively in lessons.
Mount Carmel provides numerous opportunities for pupils to develop as well-rounded citizens, encouraging discussions on important social issues. The governors are ambitious for the school and have rigorously challenged leaders to improve the quality of education and behavior. Staff express pride in working at the school, appreciating the consideration given to their well-being and workload.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and report concerns. Pupils are educated about potential risks, including online safety and gang involvement, and they feel secure in seeking help from adults when needed.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that all subject leaders effectively check how well teachers deliver the curriculum. Additionally, there is a need for staff training to support pupils with gaps in their phonics knowledge, ensuring that all pupils can read accurately and access the curriculum effectively. Overall, Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
