St Alban's Catholic Academy in Harlow, Essex, has recently undergone a short inspection by Ofsted on February 14, 2019, and has maintained its good rating. The school's leadership team, led by Mr. Ian Kendal, has effectively addressed areas for improvement identified in the previous report, ensuring a nurturing and effective learning environment for students. The inspection highlighted the strong leadership and governance of the school, with leaders demonstrating a thorough understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. Pupils expressed a sense of belonging and described the school as a big family where everyone is welcoming and accepting.
The report also praised the exemplary behavior and attitudes of the pupils towards learning, with many students reporting enjoyment in their lessons. Parents have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting improvements under Mr. Kendal's stewardship. The curriculum at St Alban's is designed to be broad, meaningful, and enriching, with a focus on engaging topics that enhance students' writing abilities. Professional development for staff is a priority, with regular training opportunities that strengthen leadership and teaching practices.
Safeguarding measures at the school are robust, with leaders ensuring that all arrangements are fit for purpose. Pupils reported feeling safe and confident in their ability to keep themselves safe, including when using the internet. The school has a strong culture of vigilance, and incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively. Specific areas for improvement include addressing the attainment gap between boys and girls in reading and writing, which the school is actively working to improve.
In conclusion, the Ofsted report highlights St Alban's Catholic Academy as a school that continues to thrive under effective leadership, with a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education for all its pupils. The next steps for the school include implementing actions from the development plan to further enhance student outcomes and ensure that more pupils exceed expected standards. This positive inspection outcome reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire school community, reinforcing St Alban's reputation as a leading educational institution in Essex.
