Saint Claudine's Catholic School for Girls, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in October 2022. The school is characterized by its ambitious leadership and supportive staff who are dedicated to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for all pupils. The community within the school is warm and caring, with leaders quickly identifying and addressing the needs of students requiring additional support. Pupils express appreciation for their teachers, highlighting the helpful and supportive approach adopted by the staff.
The school emphasizes the importance of guiding every pupil towards achieving their ambitions. Sixth form students particularly value the assistance they receive in planning their future educational and career paths. The school offers numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in community activities, promoting active citizenship. Older students often mentor younger ones through initiatives like shared reading and the ‘Big Sister’ scheme, which fosters kindness and responsibility among pupils. The variety of clubs and extracurricular activities available contributes to a vibrant school life.
Pupil behavior is generally positive, with minimal disruption to learning. Teachers are proactive in addressing any issues that arise, and the behavior management system is designed to support students in making the right choices. Recognition for academic achievements and kindness is a key aspect of the school culture, and incidents of bullying are effectively managed.
The curriculum at Saint Claudine's is broad and ambitious, with all pupils studying a wide range of subjects leading to various academic qualifications by Year 11. Students take pride in their learning and achievements. Recent improvements to the curriculum have focused on expanding subject offerings, particularly in creative arts and computing. Leaders are committed to further enhancing the curriculum, including the introduction of computing in the sixth form from September 2023.
Leaders ensure that the curriculum aligns with national standards, allowing pupils to build secure knowledge across subjects. All students, including those with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language, have access to the same broad curriculum. The school effectively supports pupils who join mid-year, providing tailored assistance to help them integrate and succeed academically.
While pupils generally retain key knowledge well, there are areas where learning could be sequenced more effectively to enhance long-term retention. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively working to improve the coherence of the curriculum across all subjects. The school environment is designed to be stimulating and supportive, encouraging pupils to reflect on their work and strive for improvement.
The school’s ethos promotes inclusivity and respect, contributing to a safe and confident atmosphere for all students. Governors and trustees support the school’s mission and have been particularly responsive to the needs of families during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that vulnerable pupils receive adequate pastoral care. Staff report feeling well-supported by leadership, which contributes to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to advocate for pupils' best interests and provide a range of on-site pastoral support. Overall, Saint Claudine's Catholic School for Girls demonstrates a commitment to excellence in education, fostering a supportive community that prioritizes the well-being and success of its pupils.
