The Academy of St Nicholas in Liverpool underwent an inspection from December 6 to 7, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as good. The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers maintain high expectations and provide support to help students achieve their best.
Pupils generally follow school routines and meet the expectations set by staff. Positive behavior is reinforced through rewards, and students report feeling happy and safe at school. When incidents of bullying occur, staff respond effectively, fostering warm relationships between pupils and teachers. The personal development curriculum is well-received, teaching students about safety, healthy relationships, and diversity. A variety of extracurricular activities, such as debating and sports, are available to enhance student engagement.
Leadership at the school has transformed the curriculum to align with national standards, particularly in the sixth form, where a diverse range of subjects is offered. Leaders have successfully increased the number of pupils taking qualifications that contribute to the English Baccalaureate, ensuring that more students study a language in Year 10. The curriculum is thoughtfully organized, allowing for coherent learning progression across key stages, which helps students build on prior knowledge.
Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and design lessons effectively, although some need to improve their methods for assessing pupil understanding. This gap can lead to misconceptions or gaps in knowledge, particularly for students with special educational needs. However, sixth-form teachers are noted for their skill, resulting in strong student achievement in that area.
Reading is prioritized, with systems in place to identify pupils who may be falling behind. Staff provide targeted support to help these students improve their reading skills and vocabulary. The school has established effective strategies for supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically and socially.
Behavior expectations are clearly communicated and generally upheld, contributing to a calm school environment. However, a small number of pupils struggle to adhere to routines, particularly during social times. The personal development program, which includes age-appropriate relationships and sex education, is popular among students and promotes moral and spiritual understanding.
The careers program is well-structured, providing students with insights into various career paths and educational opportunities. This includes direct encounters with employers, helping students transition to high-quality destinations after leaving school. Leaders are committed to ongoing improvement and provide staff with high-quality training while considering their workload and well-being.
Local governors and trustees actively support and challenge school leaders, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the institution. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to students. The school fosters a culture of safety, ensuring pupils are well-informed about how to protect themselves, including online safety. Overall, the Academy of St Nicholas demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and a supportive environment for all its students.
