St Gregory's Catholic School
Reynolds Lane, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9XL
Reynolds Lane, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9XL
Pupils
1339
Ages
11 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Academy Converter
Head Teacher
Mr Michael Wilson
St. Gregory’s Catholic School, with a current student roll of 1339, caters to students aged 11-18. The school’s academic performance is noteworthy, with 13% of students scoring highly in key stage 2 and an average score of 103.2. While 60% meet standard requirements, the lower cohort sees 26% of students achieving results.
In terms of pastoral care, St. Gregory’s provides support for 2% of students with SEN statements and EHC plans. The school fosters a welcoming atmosphere for all faiths, with 20% of students speaking English additionally and 79% as their first language.
Extra-curricular activities play a significant role in the school’s holistic approach to education, offering students a range of opportunities to explore their interests and talents outside the classroom.
Looking ahead, St. Gregory’s Catholic School is set to host open days for prospective students and their families. This provides a chance for first-hand experience of the school’s vibrant community and dedication to student wellbeing.
In conclusion, St. Gregory’s Catholic School excels in academic performance, pastoral care, and extra-curricular activities, creating a supportive environment for students to thrive and grow.
Students Reaching
Expected Standards
71%
National Average: 65%
Students Reaching
High Standards
50%
National Average: 11%
St Gregory's Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, underwent an inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024, resulting in a Good rating across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The headteacher, Michael Wilson, leads the school, which is part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership. The trust is overseen by CEO Annemarie Whittle and a board of trustees chaired by Micheal Powis.
The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment, emphasizing its mission to ensure that every pupil is known and loved. Teachers are dedicated to understanding their students and have high expectations for their success. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, including those attending the St Francis de Sales Centre for the Deaf, receive strong support, contributing to their happiness and academic achievement.
The trust has implemented a clear vision for school improvement, raising expectations for behaviour and attendance, which has positively transformed the school culture. Pupils exhibit good behaviour in classrooms and corridors, and the effective use of behaviour systems has fostered positive relationships. As a result, students feel safe, and their learning experiences are rarely disrupted.
The curriculum is rich and broad, preparing pupils for life beyond school. It includes education on healthy relationships and online safety, promoting inclusive attitudes among students. The sixth-form students engage in a well-structured volunteering programme, enhancing their contributions to the school community.
While the curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, the school recognizes the need to further support disadvantaged pupils and those in vocational courses to ensure they achieve at the same level as their peers. The school is also aware that reading poses a challenge for many students. Although assessments are in place to identify those needing help, the school is still developing a comprehensive approach to foster confident and fluent readers.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present new concepts clearly, often revisiting prior knowledge to reinforce learning. However, in a few subjects, the choice of learning activities may not always facilitate a secure grasp of content. Additionally, while most teachers use assessment effectively, some pupils struggle to understand how to act on feedback, which can hinder their progress.
The school has effectively adapted to the increasing number of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring their needs are swiftly identified and met. The St Francis de Sales Centre for the Deaf provides impressive support, and alternative provisions are also in place for a small number of pupils.
Attendance tracking systems are robust, with dedicated staff working with families to improve attendance. However, attendance remains a concern for some disadvantaged pupils, and the school is committed to addressing this issue. The same rigorous approach to attendance is needed in the sixth form, where attendance rates are currently low.
The personal development curriculum is strong, covering essential topics such as social media use and online safety. The school provides impartial guidance to help pupils make informed choices about their futures. The trust and local governance effectively scrutinize the school's work, supporting staff morale and creating a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school must improve the consistency of curriculum implementation across subjects and enhance clarity regarding the impact of its initiatives, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those in the early stages of reading. The trust is encouraged to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its actions to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of education provided.
Last Updated: 9 December 2024
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