Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Manchester has undergone a recent inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school is characterized by a welcoming and supportive community where leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils generally achieve well and feel safe, confident that staff will assist them with any concerns. The school has effective measures in place to help pupils who may struggle with attendance or behavior, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to improve.
In lessons, pupils exhibit good behavior and take pride in their work. While some social issues may arise during breaks, school leaders address these effectively, and most pupils feel that bullying is managed well. The school offers various leadership opportunities, such as participation in the school council and diversity council, allowing pupils to engage in school matters and contribute to its development. Additionally, pupils benefit from a range of extracurricular activities and educational visits that promote active citizenship and enrich their learning experiences.
The leadership team, including governors, is ambitious for the pupils and has made significant improvements to the quality of education. The curriculum is well-designed and delivered, with subject leaders adapting it to address any learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive approach helps pupils catch up on missed learning. Subject curriculums have been reviewed and improved, ensuring that teachers are clear about the key knowledge pupils need to acquire. Regular opportunities for pupils to revisit their learning are provided, aiding retention and understanding.
However, there are some areas for improvement. In a small number of subjects, the delivery of the curriculum does not meet the expected standards, which can hinder some pupils' learning. Leaders are aware of this and are working to support teachers in delivering the curriculum effectively. The school prioritizes reading development, employing effective strategies to enhance pupils' reading skills. Staff regularly assess pupils' reading knowledge and provide targeted support to those who need it, ensuring that most pupils become confident readers.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with most pupils behaving well during lessons and social times. Leaders have established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring that staff are trained to recognize and address various safeguarding concerns. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, particularly in online contexts.
Despite the positive aspects, a significant minority of pupils do not engage in the additional opportunities available for personal development, which limits their broader growth. Leaders are encouraged to expand the range of enrichment activities to ensure that more pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged, can benefit from these experiences. Additionally, some staff need to better utilize the information available about pupils with special educational needs to provide tailored support, which is essential for their progress.
Overall, Saint Paul’s Catholic High School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils. With continued focus on improving curriculum delivery and expanding enrichment opportunities, the school is well-positioned to enhance its effectiveness further and ensure that all pupils can thrive academically and personally.
