Lagan College

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, meaning the ETI was “unable to assure the quality of education” or fully evaluate provision, leadership, and outcomes. Despite these limitations, the report notes that pupils are “courteous, articulate and very positive about school life” and that examination results have improved to above the Northern Ireland average.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “high levels of respect for all” and value the school’s integrated ethos.
• GCSE results have improved from a low base to “above the Northern Ireland average,” including for pupils entitled to free school meals.
• The senior leadership team communicates a “clear vision” aligned with the school’s core values.
• Governors show “loyalty to, and pride in, the school” and critically reflect on their effectiveness.
• The curriculum offers a “rich and varied programme” of extra-curricular and enrichment activities.

Areas to improve

• The report states the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully” the quality of provision, leadership, and safeguarding due to non-cooperation by teaching unions.
• There remains a performance gap between boys and girls at A level which “needs to be addressed.”

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” and pupils reported they feel safe, though the ETI could not fully evaluate the outworking of these arrangements.