St Bernard’s School, located in Louth, Lincolnshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 14 and 15, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Helen Harkness, the school is part of the Inspire Connected Community Trust, which oversees its governance through CEO Lea Mason and a board of trustees chaired by David Rhodes. The school caters to pupils aged 2 to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring a tailored educational experience that promotes the well-being and achievement of all students.
The school’s curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, particularly those with special educational needs. Parents express high satisfaction with the school, noting significant positive changes in their children’s happiness and engagement. The school emphasizes its core values of communication, community, and connection, which are integrated into daily activities. Support for pupils with speech, language, and communication needs is robust, utilizing various tools such as signing and electronic aids. Community engagement is fostered through visits to local attractions, enhancing pupils' experiences beyond the classroom.
St Bernard’s offers a wide range of enrichment activities, contributing to a vibrant school life. Pupils participate in clubs such as handball and archery, while sixth-form students benefit from work experience opportunities that prepare them for future careers. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for their next educational or vocational steps.
Leadership at St Bernard’s has successfully maintained educational standards during a period of transition, including moving to a new building and merging with another trust. The school prioritizes the educational, health, and care plans of its pupils, ensuring that the curriculum is ambitious and well-structured. Key subjects such as communication, reading, mathematics, and science are given particular focus, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively. However, some subject areas lack the same level of ambition, leading to potential repetition in learning.
The school has developed four bespoke curriculum pathways to cater to the varying ages and learning stages of its pupils. Assessment practices are effectively utilized to ensure that pupils are placed in the appropriate curriculum pathways, allowing for personalized learning experiences. Teachers strive to make learning relevant and engaging, particularly in early years education, where play-based learning is emphasized.
St Bernard’s is dedicated to fostering a love of reading among its pupils, with a strong phonics program in place. The school creates an inclusive environment where all pupils can access storytelling and reading activities, contributing to their development as confident readers. Positive behavior is promoted through various strategies, and strong relationships between staff and pupils are evident. However, attendance remains a challenge, with some pupils not attending as frequently as they should, which impacts their educational experience.
The school’s efforts to enhance pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development are commendable. Pupils learn to respect diversity and engage in activities that promote understanding of different cultures and charitable initiatives. The curriculum extends beyond academics, encouraging pupils to express their views on current affairs and participate in enrichment activities.
Leaders are aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, particularly regarding curriculum ambition and attendance strategies. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils benefit from the high-quality education provided. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Overall, St Bernard’s School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a clear focus on meeting their individual needs and preparing them for future success.
