St Mary’s Catholic College, located in Wallasey, Merseyside, underwent an inspection on October 4 and 5, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated as Good. Leadership and management, along with sixth-form provision, were similarly rated as Requires Improvement. The headteacher, Kevin Maddocks, leads the school, which is part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Andrew Moor and chaired by Paul Simpson.
The school has made strides in improving its culture and expectations regarding pupil behaviour, resulting in most students displaying positive attitudes towards learning. Strong pastoral support is provided through a dedicated hub, which assists pupils in reflecting on their behaviour and emotions, allowing for quick reintegration into lessons. The school effectively addresses incidents of bullying, contributing to a safe and happy environment for students. Additionally, the school encourages pupils to engage in various extracurricular activities, fostering their wider development.
However, the school has not set high expectations for academic achievement, leading to slow progress in raising pupils’ outcomes. This is particularly evident among students with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those who are disadvantaged. Consequently, many pupils do not achieve their full potential. While the school has a broad and ambitious curriculum, there is a disconnect between the curriculum's ambition and its delivery. Teachers sometimes fail to employ effective teaching strategies, which hampers pupils' ability to retain important knowledge over time.
Assessment methods in several subjects do not align well with the curriculum, and the school’s processes for monitoring curriculum delivery are not robust. This has resulted in an inability to identify specific weaknesses in curriculum implementation. Despite these challenges, the school has prioritized reading across the curriculum, providing tailored support for pupils struggling with reading. However, only a minority of students choose to read independently for pleasure.
Attendance remains a significant issue, with many pupils missing school regularly, which affects their learning. The school has not systematically analyzed the reasons for absenteeism, and efforts to improve attendance rates have not been effective. Engagement with parents is strong, exemplified by recent information evenings aimed at supporting Year 11 pupils in their exam preparations.
The school is committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs have equal access to opportunities. While it identifies additional needs accurately and provides effective support, weaknesses in curriculum delivery hinder these pupils from achieving their best. The school has implemented an Inspire programme to enhance pupils' wider development, addressing relevant social issues and preparing them for future career choices.
Staff members feel that their well-being is considered, and they have contributed to initiatives aimed at improving workload management. The leadership team has made positive changes since the headteacher's appointment, but trustees and governors have an overly generous view of the school's strengths and weaknesses, failing to challenge the school adequately to drive necessary improvements in educational quality. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while there are commendable aspects of St Mary’s Catholic College, significant improvements are needed in academic expectations, curriculum delivery, and attendance to enhance the educational experience for all students.
