Coláiste Feirste

Overview

Coláiste Feirste is an Irish-medium post-primary school in West Belfast that demonstrates the capacity to identify and bring about improvement in the interest of all learners. The inspection found that pupils achieve very good standards in English, mathematics, and history, while standards in Gaeilge are outstanding. The school fosters an inclusive ethos with strong mutual respect, though it must address specific areas regarding curriculum flexibility and planning consistency.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate "outstanding" standards in Gaeilge, with high fluency and attainment consistently above the Northern Ireland average.
• Standards in English, mathematics, and history are "very good," with GCSE results significantly above the average for similar non-selective schools.
• The provision for care and support is a "significant strength," characterised by an "inclusive ethos" and a "sector-leading behaviour for learning policy."
• The school’s unique learning support centre ('Ionad') provides effective, bespoke support for pupils with additional needs, ensuring smooth integration into mainstream life.
• Leadership is effective, with a "clear strategic vision" and a culture of "encouragement, consultation, challenge and support."

Areas to improve

• The post-16 curriculum is "not flexible enough" and requires review to provide a broader range of pathways for all pupils.
• Planning for learning needs further development to improve the "consistency of the learning experiences" for all pupils.
• The action planning process at the middle leadership level needs to be sharpened to set more specific and measurable targets.

Safeguarding

The school has "comprehensive arrangements in place for safeguarding young people" which reflect Department of Education guidance, and pupils report feeling "safe and secure."