St Bernard’s High School, located in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school is known for its welcoming and inclusive environment, where leaders maintain high expectations for both learning and behavior. Pupils are motivated to excel, demonstrating diligence in their studies and maintaining focused and engaged behavior during lessons. The atmosphere during breaks is calm, with students generally showing respect towards one another. Politeness and courtesy are common among pupils, who are eager to share their positive experiences with visitors. The relationships between staff and students are constructive, contributing to a sense of safety and enjoyment in the school. Instances of bullying are infrequent, and students feel confident that staff will address any issues effectively.
The school offers a diverse range of enrichment and extracurricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which sees high participation rates. Sixth-form students have access to various leadership opportunities, including a student leadership team that organizes school-wide events. The curriculum is enriched with educational trips to art galleries, museums, and other significant locations, enhancing the learning experience.
The curriculum at St Bernard’s is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. In key stage three, students study a variety of subjects, including English, mathematics, and science, alongside arts, humanities, and technology. Many pupils opt for the English Baccalaureate, which provides a solid foundation for future academic and career pursuits. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing students to build knowledge progressively from Years 7 to 13. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, utilizing effective assessment methods to monitor progress and address learning gaps.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. A small number of teachers do not consistently adapt their teaching methods to support pupils with special educational needs, which can hinder these students' learning experiences. Additionally, some pupils who struggle with reading have not received timely support to help them catch up, resulting in slower progress towards fluency. The school recognizes the need for targeted interventions to assist these students more effectively.
Pupils engage in weekly reading sessions and utilize the well-stocked library during breaks, fostering a culture of reading for pleasure. However, the school must enhance its strategies to ensure that all pupils, particularly those at the early stages of reading, receive the necessary support to improve their skills.
The school environment is characterized by respect and ambition, with most pupils displaying positive attitudes towards their education. Disruptions in lessons are rare, and those who have previously struggled with behavior have received effective support, leading to improvements. Personal development is prioritized, with opportunities for pupils to discuss various issues and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school also emphasizes career education, providing students with valuable experiences to prepare them for future educational and employment opportunities.
Staff members express pride in their work at the school and appreciate the professional development opportunities available to them. Although there has been an increase in workload due to new systems, staff understand the necessity of these changes for long-term benefits. Overall, St Bernard’s High School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement in teaching and learning practices.
