St Joseph's Catholic High School in Slough, Berkshire, received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on 10 and 11 May 2022, and the school has maintained this rating since its previous inspection in December 2018. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils feel valued and respected. The headteacher emphasizes the importance of love and care for students, which contributes to a warm and welcoming environment. Pupils express happiness in attending school and report feeling a sense of belonging. They treat each other and staff with respect, and instances of unkind behavior are rare, with staff addressing any issues promptly.
The school offers various extracurricular activities, including clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, which help pupils develop their interests and talents. Pupils are encouraged to engage in charitable activities and explore environmental issues, broadening their horizons through talks from visitors. The leadership team, including the headteacher, sets high expectations for staff and pupils, fostering a culture of aspiration and ambition. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of subjects, ensuring that pupils build knowledge and skills progressively from Years 7 to 13. The school aims for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to achieve their potential, with many entering for the English Baccalaureate.
In the classroom, various teaching approaches are employed to support pupil progress. Teachers are encouraged to revisit previous learning at the start of lessons, aiding retention. However, there is inconsistency in the implementation of these strategies across departments, leading to variations in pupil progress. Senior leaders recognize the need for greater consistency in teaching practices and departmental leadership. The school environment promotes positive behavior, with most pupils motivated to excel and take pride in their work, particularly in the sixth form.
The personal development of pupils is a priority, with a well-structured personal, social, and health education program. Pupils learn about healthy relationships, safety, and different faiths, alongside a planned careers program that introduces various career pathways. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement and has implemented several actions to enhance the school. However, they acknowledge the need for more precise evaluation of the school's strengths and areas for improvement to inform action planning effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Joseph's are effective, with staff building strong relationships with pupils to identify potential concerns quickly. Staff receive thorough training on reporting concerns, and the school takes swift action to involve external agencies when necessary. Records of concerns are detailed, demonstrating the school's commitment to pupil welfare.
To improve further, the school must ensure consistent implementation of the curriculum across all departments, as current inconsistencies hinder pupil progress. Additionally, middle leaders need support in monitoring curriculum implementation, and the leadership team should enhance self-evaluation processes to clarify strengths and priorities for improvement. Overall, St Joseph's Catholic High School is a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters pupil development and achievement while recognizing areas for growth.
