Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy

Overview

The report describes a school where leaders have created an inclusive culture and prioritise pupil wellbeing, resulting in a "warm and accepting school community." However, the quality of the curriculum and teaching is "inconsistent," leading to variable pupil achievement and attendance rates that remain below national averages. While safeguarding standards are met, leaders acknowledge that actions to address shortcomings in teaching and attendance are "still embedding" and have not yet had sufficient impact.

Strengths

• Leaders have established an "inclusive culture" with strong links to feeder schools and proactive work with parents to support vulnerable pupils.
• Staff provide "appropriate support" for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, using targeted strategies to raise self-esteem.
• Pupils benefit from a comprehensive personal development programme, including "in-house counselling services" and opportunities for leadership roles.
• The school has a "calm" atmosphere where staff forge supportive relationships, and bullying is dealt with effectively.
• Disadvantaged pupils’ progress from their starting points is "broadly in line with their peers nationally."

Areas to improve

• Leaders must further reduce rates of persistent absence to ensure all pupils benefit fully from the curriculum.
• Staff need to deliver the curriculum consistently in line with leaders' expectations to help pupils develop detailed knowledge.
• Assessment systems must be embedded to help teachers identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively identified and managed.