Sacred Heart Catholic School in Birmingham underwent an inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were rated as Good. The school, which is part of the John Paul II Multi Academy Company, is led by Executive Headteacher Catherine Dalzell and overseen by CEO Matthew Emery and a board of trustees chaired by Maria Gabriella Stirrop.
The school is characterized by a friendly and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy, safe, and welcomed. Staff members are dedicated to knowing each pupil well, fostering a strong sense of belonging. However, the inspection revealed that the school has not ensured that pupils develop a deep understanding of knowledge in all subjects over time. While recent improvements have been made to strengthen the curriculum, particularly in reading and mathematics, the delivery of the wider curriculum remains inconsistent, affecting pupils' overall learning experience.
Pupils at Sacred Heart are described as a delight, demonstrating pride in their school and a strong attendance record. They behave well in lessons and engage positively with one another. The school promotes understanding of diversity and other faiths, contributing to pupils' well-rounded development. A variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, gardening, and music clubs, enrich the pupils' experiences, with the steelpan band being particularly popular.
In the past 18 months, school leaders have made significant strides to address previous weaknesses, resulting in a stable staffing team and improved systems for curriculum delivery and behaviour management. These changes have positively impacted pupils' behaviour, allowing them to learn without distractions. In core subjects like English and mathematics, pupils gain knowledge effectively, although some teachers lack the necessary subject knowledge to deliver certain aspects of the curriculum, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding.
The curriculum is designed to clearly outline what pupils should learn and in what order. However, inconsistencies in delivery across some foundation subjects have resulted in gaps in learning for some pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential and is working to provide further support and training for teachers to enhance curriculum delivery.
Pupils with special educational needs are well supported, with staff collaborating with parents to understand individual requirements. The school prioritizes reading, with pupils enjoying a wide range of books that reflect their diverse community. Phonics instruction begins early, but some pupils who struggle with reading do not receive adequate support to catch up quickly, which affects their overall learning.
The early years curriculum is ambitious, fostering a warm and engaging atmosphere where children learn and play together effectively. The school also emphasizes moral and ethical development, encouraging pupils to consider the needs of others and promoting values such as democracy and respect.
Engagement with parents is a priority, with initiatives like the Motivational Monday reading group fostering positive relationships. Staff express pride in their work and value the support provided by the trust. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve, the school must ensure that all teachers deliver the curriculum as intended, particularly in foundation subjects, to address gaps in learning. Additionally, support for pupils who have fallen behind in reading needs to be enhanced to help them become confident and fluent readers. Overall, while the school has made progress, further development is necessary to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
