Our Lady of Lourdes High School

Overview

The report describes a school with a "deeply inclusive community" where pupils are "valued as an individual" and feel safe. It highlights "measurable progress" towards the school’s vision, driven by strong leadership, effective data use, and a supportive ethos that fosters trust and high expectations.

Strengths

• Teachers demonstrate "assurance and quiet confidence," fostering an "ethos of trust" where pupils respond readily and share views honestly.
• The school has established a "deeply inclusive community" with well-resourced specialist provisions and effective personal learning plans (PLPs) for pupils with special educational needs.
• There is "excellent use" of contextual and attainment data to identify barriers to learning and set challenging, individualised targets.
• A "vibrant culture of celebration" recognises pupil success through a rewards system linked to school values, encouraging pupils to be "the best version of themselves."
• Strong community links and shared education partnerships extend the curriculum and support pupil wellbeing and transition.

Areas to improve

• Written formative assessment needs to be "applied more consistently across the curriculum."
• The carousel arrangement for music and drama in Key Stage 3 "does not allow for continuity and progression in these subjects."
• The use of non-qualified teachers in Key Stage 4 "does not comply" with Department of Education guidance, though prompt action has been taken.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements are effective, with pupils feeling safe and well-supported to make informed choices, noting that "almost all of the pupils (96%) reporting that they feel safe in school."