St Augustine’s Catholic School, a Catholic voluntary academy located in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The head of the school, Aishling Robinson, leads a dedicated team that operates under the St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Academy Trust, which provides additional support and governance. The school has a strong commitment to ensuring that every pupil is treated as an individual, fostering a safe and nurturing environment where students feel valued and motivated to meet high academic expectations.
Pupils at St Augustine’s demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning, benefiting from a well-designed and broad curriculum that emphasizes personal development alongside academic achievement. The school maintains high standards of behavior, with minimal disruption to learning. Teachers effectively manage any instances of disruptive behavior, ensuring that the focus remains on education. Beyond the academic curriculum, pupils engage in discussions about important societal issues, demonstrating their understanding of concepts such as protected characteristics and healthy relationships.
The school’s motto, to love and serve through Christ, underpins its educational approach, instilling important values such as gratitude and respect among pupils. Activities that promote these values, such as sending thank-you messages, are integrated into the school culture. Pupils are encouraged to engage in thoughtful discussions about complex topics, such as Black History Month, in a safe and supportive environment.
Leaders at St Augustine’s have worked diligently to provide a well-planned and sequenced curriculum, ensuring meaningful connections between subjects. For instance, the teaching of trigonometry in mathematics is aligned with related concepts in design and technology. Vocabulary development is prioritized, with teachers effectively teaching and revisiting key terms, enabling pupils to use subject-specific language confidently in their work.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Some lessons do not adequately address the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, resulting in slower progress for these students. Leaders are encouraged to enhance the implementation of the curriculum for these pupils to ensure they achieve their best outcomes. Additionally, assessment practices need refinement, as some misconceptions and gaps in learning are not identified promptly, hindering timely intervention.
Reading is a significant focus at St Augustine’s, with specific programs in place to support struggling readers. The school fosters a reading culture that encourages pupils to read widely and often, supported by engaging activities that promote literacy. The positive school culture is reinforced by effective behavior management systems, which are well understood by both pupils and staff, leading to respectful relationships throughout the school community.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on Latin, musical theatre, and environmental initiatives. Through initiatives like pupil experience passports, students are encouraged to explore enriching experiences beyond the classroom. The established careers program provides pupils with valuable insights into future opportunities, connecting them with external speakers and local employers.
Staff at St Augustine’s take pride in their work, and leaders prioritize their well-being and workload management. The school maintains strong communication with parents and carers, who appreciate the supportive environment provided for their children. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
In summary, St Augustine’s Catholic School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding the needs of pupils with SEND and assessment practices, the school’s commitment to high standards of education and personal development is evident.
