Saint Ambrose College, located in Hale Barns, Altrincham, Cheshire, was inspected on 18-19 February 2020. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive assessment across various aspects of the educational experience. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision all received a good rating. This inspection marked the first under the current framework since the school had not been inspected for a decade due to its previous outstanding status, which exempted it from routine inspections.
Pupils at Saint Ambrose College express enjoyment in attending the school and demonstrate a strong understanding of its mission to cultivate resourceful and resilient individuals. They take pride in their school community, which fosters a safe environment where bullying is rare and effectively managed. The commitment to the school is particularly evident among sixth-form students, who actively support one another. High expectations from most teachers contribute to pupils achieving well in their examinations, with many progressing to suitable post-school destinations.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, with many pupils participating at high levels, including national representation. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program sees high participation rates, and various societies run by sixth-form students encourage engagement in diverse subjects and topical discussions.
Leadership at the school is characterized by a clear vision for the curriculum, with significant changes made to both academic and personal development areas. While leaders are aware that these changes are still in progress, they have positively impacted disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring they achieve well and transition successfully to further education or employment.
The curriculum is generally well-structured, with leaders identifying key learning objectives that build on prior knowledge. Most subjects are taught by specialists, and teachers effectively use assessment information to tailor the curriculum to meet learners' needs. However, some subjects do not fully cover the national curriculum's depth and breadth, particularly at key stage three, which can hinder pupils' preparedness for GCSEs and beyond. For instance, in English, the limited exposure to full texts prior to 1914 restricts pupils' understanding of literary heritage.
The personal development curriculum has room for improvement, as some pupils lack opportunities to engage in discussions about responsible citizenship. Recent changes to this curriculum aim to address these gaps, but it is too early to assess their effectiveness.
Pupils exhibit a strong work ethic, contributing to a calm and welcoming school atmosphere. Attendance rates are above the national average, and exclusions are minimal. Staff support for leadership is strong, with a belief that leaders consider their workload and value their input in decision-making processes.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff receiving annual training and updates on relevant issues. Pupils are educated on internet safety, particularly regarding social media.
To enhance the educational experience further, the school should continue developing its curriculum to ensure all subjects meet the national standards and provide meaningful personal development opportunities for all pupils. This will help prepare them to become responsible and active citizens in society.
