Holy Family Roman Catholic and Church of England College

Overview

The report describes a school where leaders and governors care deeply about pupils, fostering a "caring" environment where students feel "known and well cared for." Pupils generally achieve in line with national averages and benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" that is "typically taught well." The inspection highlights a positive culture of inclusion and personal development, though it identifies specific areas regarding attendance for disadvantaged pupils and knowledge of British values that require attention.

Strengths

• Pupils "progress well through the curriculum" and "complete their work to a high standard," with most securing the knowledge needed for their next steps.
• The school maintains a "calm and orderly" environment where "discrimination, harassment and bullying are rare" and resolved swiftly.
• Leaders take "effective action to reduce any barriers" for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they "achieve well" through tailored support.
• Staff are supported with "professional learning opportunities," resulting in improved subject expertise and high staff morale.
• Pupils enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular activities, which help them "discover new interests" and develop social skills.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff provide opportunities for pupils to secure knowledge of "fundamental British values" so they are better prepared for life in modern Britain.
• Leaders should ensure gaps in learning, including "inconsistencies in the accuracy of their handwriting," are identified and addressed swiftly.
• Leaders must continue work to reduce the number of disadvantaged pupils who are "persistently absent from school."

Safeguarding

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