All Saints’ Catholic High School in Sheffield has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on October 10 and 11, 2023. The headteacher, Sean Pender, leads the school, which is part of the St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Steve Davies and a board of trustees chaired by Kevin Smith. The school fosters a strong ethos of warmth and respect, contributing to a positive environment where most pupils feel happy and safe. Instances of bullying are rare and are addressed promptly when they occur. Pupils develop caring relationships with staff and trust them for support.
The school emphasizes respect among pupils and promotes Christian values and inclusivity. Students are educated about various dangers, including online grooming, and are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs and activities, such as basketball and boxercise. Older students are motivated to support their younger peers, fostering a sense of community. The school aims for all pupils, including the most vulnerable, to reach their potential. Key stage four pupils and sixth-form students have access to a broad range of courses that prepare them for future endeavors. New teaching strategies are being implemented to enhance pupil progress, and initial signs indicate these strategies are beginning to yield positive results.
While the school has ambitious goals for its students, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum offers diverse courses at key stages four and five, with a focus on the English Baccalaureate subjects. However, the depth of exposure to certain topics in key stage three varies, and some subjects that become optional at key stage four are discontinued in year eight, limiting the depth of study. The delivery of the curriculum is handled by enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers who adapt their methods to meet the needs of all pupils. Despite this, some newly introduced teaching strategies are not consistently applied across all lessons.
The school prioritizes the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with new leadership in SEND provision identifying necessary improvements. Many pupils with SEND report feeling well-supported, and there are early signs that new strategies are effective. Reading is a notable strength, with interventions in place for struggling readers, leading to rapid progress. Most pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, with only occasional low-level disruptions.
The school provides a robust personal development program, covering essential themes such as healthy relationships and consent. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities and have opportunities to explore future pathways through visits to universities and employers. However, the timing of career experiences could be improved to better inform pupils before they make subject choices. Sixth-form students benefit from a recently redeveloped program that meets their needs and encourages leadership roles within the school.
Governance is effective, with governors challenging senior leaders to improve the school. The trust has taken over financial and site management responsibilities, allowing leaders to focus on educational improvement. The school must ensure rigorous quality assurance of new initiatives to monitor their impact effectively. Staff express a sense of loyalty and support towards the school, despite occasional challenges with workload. The safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, All Saints’ Catholic High School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a good education while recognizing areas for further development.
