Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, located in Birmingham, underwent an ungraded inspection on October 4 and 5, 2023. The overall judgement remains good, but evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The headteacher, Ciaran Clinton, leads the school, which is part of the St Teresa of Calcutta Multi-Academy Company. The school is overseen by a board of directors chaired by Frances McGarry and managed by CEO Professor Paul Ryan.
Pupils at the school report feeling happy and well cared for, with staff fostering positive relationships and ensuring that students know how to keep themselves safe. The school promotes respect for diversity and inclusion, and pupils understand the importance of these values. High expectations are set for all students, resulting in calm and orderly classrooms conducive to learning. Most students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, exhibit positive attitudes towards their lessons. However, some students frequently arrive late to class.
The sixth form encourages students to engage with the school and the wider community through leadership roles, fundraising, and supporting younger pupils. Students appreciate the careers support provided, with many participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which contributes to their personal development.
The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, clearly defining end points and reflecting students' starting points from key stage two. Opportunities for enrichment are integrated into subjects, such as employer interactions in design and technology and local studies in humanities. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and maintain high expectations, helping students, including those with SEND, to perform well. However, the school has not consistently ensured that teachers check students' understanding before progressing, leading to gaps in knowledge and misconceptions.
The school has not effectively identified all pupils needing support with reading, particularly those at early stages. While some students with SEND receive necessary assistance, others do not, hindering their engagement with the curriculum. The school plans to enhance its reading culture to address this issue.
Pupils generally behave well and are courteous to one another, although some struggle with punctuality, which affects their learning time. The school is aware of this issue and has implemented changes to improve it. The personal development curriculum is based on the SPIRIT values, providing a consistent message throughout the school year. Pupils receive age-appropriate education on relationships and safety, and they speak positively about their character lessons.
Careers education is a notable strength, with pupils receiving support during transition points, starting in Year 9. The school hosts an annual careers fair and invites local providers to inform students about their options. Sixth-form students benefit from structured work experience and enrichment opportunities.
The local governing body and directors collaborate effectively, holding the school accountable for pupils' academic and personal development. Staff appreciate the support for their workload and well-being, feeling heard when raising concerns.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must improve its identification of pupils needing reading support, ensure consistent checks on understanding, and address punctuality issues to enhance the overall learning experience. The inspection highlighted the need for ongoing improvements to maintain the school's good standing and prepare for future graded inspections.
