St Bernard's Catholic High School in Rotherham has been rated as good overall in its recent inspection, with outstanding marks in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The acting principal, Kate Crawford, leads the school, which is part of the St Francis Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. The school has a strong sense of community, where students feel welcomed and safe. Instances of poor behavior are rare, and the school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and discrimination. Staff members are dedicated and know their students well, fostering strong relationships built on mutual respect.
The school’s mission statement, living life to the full, is embraced by both staff and students. There are numerous opportunities for students to engage in community and charity work, which helps to develop their talents and interests. The support and guidance provided to students contribute to their ambition for the future, and recent years have seen improvements in student achievement across various subjects. School leaders have taken effective action to enhance the curriculum, particularly in areas where student progress has been less strong.
The personal development curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of students, reflecting the high expectations and values upheld by school leaders. As a result, students graduate as compassionate and well-rounded individuals. The school offers a diverse range of academic and creative subjects that inspire students to make ambitious choices regarding their futures. The curriculum is structured and well-matched to students' needs, with ongoing adaptations to strengthen areas identified for improvement.
Staff members are passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects, and they adapt their teaching to meet the needs of individual students. However, there are instances where teaching approaches may not fully support student learning. Some younger students may experience gaps in their knowledge in certain areas, but the school is actively addressing this through additional training for staff.
Professional development for staff is highly effective and personalized, with a coaching program in place to encourage reflection and improvement in teaching practices. The school has robust quality assurance systems that provide leaders with a clear understanding of strengths and areas for development. The identification of students with special educational needs and disabilities is swift, and the support provided is regularly reviewed to ensure it meets individual needs effectively.
Reading is prioritized, with dedicated programs in place to support students who struggle with reading fluency. The school has made careful text choices to engage students, resulting in younger pupils reading more widely than their older peers. Attendance rates are excellent, and the school has a precise approach to monitoring and improving attendance, with students appreciating the rewards for good attendance.
The personal development program includes discussions on important topics, and the relationships, sex, and health education is tailored to meet the needs of students. The school provides extensive careers advice and guidance, starting from the beginning of a student's journey, which includes opportunities to meet employers and gain workplace experience.
Staff at St Bernard's express that it is a special place to work, with a nurturing culture that supports their well-being. This positive environment allows staff to focus on providing support to students. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum to enhance student learning outcomes across all subjects.
