Blessed William Howard Catholic School, located in Stafford, has undergone an ungraded inspection on May 21 and 22, 2024. The overall judgement remains good, with indications that a graded inspection could potentially yield an outstanding rating. The principal, Karl Brown, leads the school, which is part of The Painsley Catholic Academy, overseen by CEO Stephen Bell and a board of trustees chaired by Ken Wilson. The school’s motto emphasizes love for God, people, learning, and life, creating an inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and valued.
Pupils express pride in their school, highlighting the positive relationships fostered by staff. The school prioritizes the well-being of its students, offering targeted support for mental health and personal challenges through dedicated spaces like the Saint Siena room. This support helps students build resilience and independence. High expectations for behavior are set by staff, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating motivation in their learning and social interactions. A variety of extracurricular clubs, such as the disaster club and drama club, provide opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents.
The school has made significant strides in improving educational experiences. Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils’ best interests are central to their work. Staff enjoy a supportive work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, aided by a coaching program for professional development. The curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge, with careful planning to ensure that pupils can make connections between what they have learned and new concepts. This approach has led to pupils exceeding expectations in their academic progress.
Teachers employ diverse strategies to engage pupils and assess their understanding effectively. Immediate feedback is provided to help pupils improve, and those who grasp concepts quickly are given resources to deepen their knowledge. The school has a robust system for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The SEND team collaborates with parents and external agencies to create tailored strategies that facilitate access to the curriculum. The SEND hub offers additional guidance, and parents are involved in discussions about their children’s learning needs.
Reading support is prioritized, with early identification of pupils who struggle. The school has trained staff to assist these pupils, helping them improve their reading skills and confidence. Initiatives like the read, review, reward competition encourage a culture of reading among students. Positive behavior is recognized through rewards, and initiatives like Praise Friday celebrate pupils’ achievements.
Personal development is integrated into the school’s curriculum through tutor time and assemblies, addressing relevant topics such as personal safety and self-image. The careers program is a notable strength, providing pupils with guidance and opportunities to explore future pathways. One-on-one meetings with a careers advisor and participation in a careers fair help pupils make informed decisions about their next steps.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the second ungraded evaluation since the school was last judged to be good in January 2019. Overall, Blessed William Howard Catholic School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
