Bishop Milner Catholic College, located in Dudley, West Midlands, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023. The school is led by Siobhan Foster and is part of the St John Bosco Multi-Academy Company, which involves shared governance with a board of trustees chaired by Phil Hancox and an executive principal, Richard May. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with leaders and pupils sharing high aspirations and a commitment to the values of inspiring hearts and minds. Relationships between staff and students are characterized by warmth and respect, contributing to a positive learning environment.
Pupils at Bishop Milner work diligently and achieve commendable results, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents express satisfaction with the approachable and dedicated staff who often go above and beyond for their students. The school maintains a purposeful atmosphere where students can focus on their learning, and instances of low-level disruption are addressed promptly by teachers. During social times, pupils interact calmly and feel safe, knowing whom to approach with any concerns.
The school excels in promoting personal development through a rich and diverse extracurricular program. Students engage in various clubs, including art, chess, and computing, and participate in enriching experiences such as trips to France for language and history studies. The leadership team encourages pupils to support one another, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility.
Bishop Milner has developed a well-structured and ambitious curriculum that is consistently improving student outcomes. All pupils, including those with SEND, follow the same curriculum, ensuring equitable access to education. Most teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively assess pupils' understanding, although there are areas where consistency in checking prior knowledge could be improved. Some pupils struggle to retain key information, leading to gaps in their knowledge in certain subjects.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with SEND and adapts teaching strategies to meet their needs, allowing them to access the curriculum successfully. Additionally, the school is implementing strategies to support pupils who are less confident readers, with specialist teachers addressing weaknesses in phonics, grammar, and comprehension. However, not all pupils engage in regular reading, which hinders their progress. The school is working to enhance reading engagement among students and their families.
Bishop Milner's commitment to personal development is evident, as pupils learn about healthy relationships and respect for diverse opinions. The pupil leadership team serves as role models, fostering a strong sense of belonging within the school community. All students receive comprehensive career guidance, preparing them for future educational and vocational opportunities.
Leaders and governors possess a thorough understanding of the school’s context and are dedicated to continuous improvement. They effectively review all aspects of the school, including safeguarding, which is robust and well-implemented. The professional development program for staff is well-structured, and staff report feeling supported and consulted regarding policy changes.
While the school has many strengths, it must focus on ensuring that all teachers consistently check pupils' understanding and recall of key knowledge. Additionally, enhancing reading habits among pupils is essential for their overall development. The school remains committed to addressing these areas for improvement while continuing to provide a high-quality education for all its students.
