St Bede's Catholic Middle School

Overview

St Bede’s Catholic Middle School continues to be a good school, characterised by a strong ethos where values are central to every aspect of life. Pupils are described as polite, friendly, and respectful, benefiting from a broad, ambitious curriculum that is well sequenced and adapted for all learners, including those with special educational needs. The inspection confirms that pupils are happy, feel safe, and are well prepared for the next step in their education.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "ambitious, planned and well sequenced," with teachers using strong subject knowledge to present content clearly and check understanding through targeted questioning.
• Developing pupils into "fluent and confident readers" is a key strength, supported by regular assessment, individual support, and a reading leader who ensures reading is a priority across all subjects.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well to follow the same curriculum as their peers and "achieve well at the school."
• Behaviour is excellent, with pupils valuing the reward system and lessons being "very rarely disrupted by poor behaviour."
• There is a strong offer of enrichment activities, including sporting and performing arts clubs, which are well attended by a high proportion of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure that all pupils understand and use the assessment systems, as currently some pupils do not understand how these help them to "know and remember more of the curriculum over time."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture established where staff are confident in identifying risks and pupils know who to approach if they are worried.