St Paul’s Catholic School, a Voluntary Academy located in Leicester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 24 and 25, 2023. The school fosters a strong family atmosphere, promoting inclusivity and support among staff and pupils. Staff members are dedicated to the well-being of students, ensuring they feel happy and safe. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with politeness and good manners being the norm. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly.
The leadership at St Paul’s has set high expectations for all pupils, who respond positively to these standards. The school’s curriculum is broad, balanced, and challenging, catering for the needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils have the opportunity to select from a wide range of subjects at key stage four and in the sixth form. Additionally, leaders emphasize character development, encouraging pupils to grow spiritually and morally. While there are extracurricular activities available, such as sports and school productions, some pupils express a desire for a wider variety of options.
The school excels in providing a high-quality education, with a well-designed curriculum that meets diverse pupil needs. Subject curriculums are structured to ensure that knowledge is built logically, facilitating effective learning. However, the proportion of pupils studying all English Baccalaureate subjects at key stage four is below the national average. In response, leaders are actively working to increase the number of pupils studying foreign languages.
Teachers at St Paul’s employ effective strategies to enhance learning, demonstrating expertise and passion for their subjects. The approach to reading is comprehensive, with all pupils participating in reading sessions during form time. Those who struggle with reading receive additional support, resulting in many becoming fluent readers. Leaders have also implemented a method for assessing pupils’ understanding, although some teachers need to improve their consistency in this area.
The school’s careers education program effectively guides pupils in making informed choices about their future paths, with many students progressing to university or the workforce. Leaders maintain a strict approach to classroom behavior, allowing pupils to focus on their studies with minimal disruption. Support is provided for those who initially struggle to adhere to school rules.
St Paul’s accurately identifies pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they follow the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers adapt their methods to support these pupils effectively, and teaching assistants play a crucial role in facilitating their learning. The school promotes broader development through daily prayers and reflective readings, fostering important personal characteristics such as independence and compassion. However, the range of extracurricular options remains limited, particularly in the sixth form, leading to low participation rates in clubs and activities.
Leaders are proactive in identifying areas for improvement and taking action to enhance the school’s performance. They engage effectively with staff and ensure manageable workloads. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff well-trained to recognize and address potential risks to pupils. The curriculum includes education on risks, and pupils feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously.
To further improve, the school should ensure that all teachers consistently apply the assessment approach to quickly identify and address misconceptions. Additionally, expanding the range of extracurricular activities would provide more opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents, contributing to their personal development. Overall, St Paul’s Catholic School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
