Painsley Catholic College, located in Cheadle, Staffordshire, underwent an inspection on May 17 and 18, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education was rated outstanding, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated good. The sixth-form provision was also rated outstanding. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy in September 2012, following a previous outstanding judgment before its conversion.
The school is characterized by high academic expectations set by the staff, which can initially be daunting for younger pupils. However, as students progress, they come to appreciate the rigorous approach to learning, leading to excellent progress across all subjects and high standards of achievement. Pupils are well-prepared for their next steps after leaving the school, whether at the end of Year 11 or Year 13. Positive attitudes towards learning are prevalent among students, who work diligently and are motivated to succeed. Disruptions to learning due to inappropriate behavior are rare, and pupils generally feel safe within the school environment. While staff typically address issues like bullying effectively, there is a need for improvement in encouraging pupils to seek help when needed.
Painsley Catholic College places a strong emphasis on personal development, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities that students engage in enthusiastically. The sixth form's enrichment program is particularly robust, helping students develop essential life and employability skills necessary for their future careers. The school has established an ambitious academic curriculum, with over 80 percent of pupils in key stage four studying the English Baccalaureate subjects, significantly above the national average. This structured learning approach ensures that pupils achieve high standards by the end of Year 11, a trend that has persisted for many years. The sixth form has also seen improvements, with students making excellent progress.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they study the same curriculum as their peers and often exceeding their progress. Disadvantaged pupils also thrive under the high expectations set for them. A rigorous assessment regime allows teachers to monitor pupil learning effectively, using this information to inform future teaching and communicate progress to parents, who value this transparency.
Teachers at Painsley are well-trained and knowledgeable in their subjects, providing clear explanations and constructive feedback. New teachers receive strong support, allowing them to integrate smoothly into the school environment. Staff express high levels of job satisfaction, appreciating the care and support from school leaders. The school promotes reading effectively, encouraging all pupils to engage with texts that challenge them academically.
Pastoral care is a priority, with staff showing genuine concern for pupils' welfare. While most pupils feel safe, some express reluctance to report issues, fearing peer reactions. This indicates a need for improved communication and trust between pupils and staff. The school provides comprehensive personal, social, and health education, although some pupils have indicated a desire for more information on mental well-being.
Governance at Painsley is effective, with a committed board of directors and local governing body providing support and challenge to school leaders. While most parents are satisfied with the school, some feel their concerns are not adequately addressed, highlighting a need for better engagement with these families. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to pupils' needs appropriately. Overall, Painsley Catholic College demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education and personal development, with areas identified for further improvement to enhance the school community's experience.
