Christ the King College, located in Newport on the Isle of Wight, underwent an inspection on November 28 and 29, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also receiving the same rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in areas such as behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership, management, and sixth-form provision. This inspection marked a significant moment as it was the first routine inspection since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The curriculum at Christ the King College is well-structured, and where teaching is effective, students achieve commendable results. Nonetheless, inconsistencies in curriculum delivery by some teachers hinder the learning experience in certain subjects. Students generally exhibit good behavior, contributing to a calm and orderly environment. The school has established a clear system for managing disruptive behavior, and students feel safe and valued, with their voices being heard. The pastoral support provided is effective and caring, ensuring that students are well looked after.
In the sixth form, students engage in various leadership roles, such as mentoring younger pupils, which fosters confidence and perseverance. Initiatives promoting equality and diversity reflect the school’s inclusive ethos. Recent changes within the school are perceived positively by both pupils and staff, indicating a shift towards improvement.
The school has a clear outline of the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire in each subject, ensuring access to a broad range of subjects for all students, including those in alternative provision. However, the completion of the English Baccalaureate is limited due to low enrollment in modern foreign languages at the GCSE level, an issue that leaders plan to address in future cohorts.
Reading is prioritized, with teachers integrating vocabulary instruction into lessons and providing additional support for those who need it. The school effectively identifies students with special educational needs and disabilities through careful analysis of reading abilities. Despite these strengths, the inconsistency in teaching delivery remains a concern. While some teachers provide clear explanations that enhance understanding, others struggle to break down complex ideas, leading to gaps in student comprehension.
Teachers emphasize the importance of recalling prior learning, yet there are instances where they do not adequately assess students' starting points or understanding of new concepts. This oversight can result in students not achieving their full potential. Additionally, the quality of written work often falls short of expectations, particularly in subjects where teaching is less effective.
Behavior has improved significantly, with most lessons free from disruption. The school has successfully reduced suspensions and exclusions, and attendance strategies are beginning to show positive results. However, some students still face challenges with attendance, risking further learning loss.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal, social, and health education, equipping students for life in modern Britain. They learn about tolerance, respect, and moral living, which aligns with the school’s Christian ethos. The careers program prepares students for life beyond school, offering targeted opportunities for sixth-form students to explore various career paths.
Leaders are mindful of staff workload and well-being, providing professional development opportunities to enhance teaching practices. While the ambition of school leaders is evident, the implementation of their vision is not yet consistent across all areas. Consequently, some aspects of the educational provision require further improvement to meet the intended standards. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
