St Ciaran's College

Overview

St Ciaran’s College is described as a school that is “realising very effectively” its vision of “Inclusion, Aspiration, Growth and Success” through a “faith based, pupil-centred approach”. The inspection highlights a “strong inclusive ethos” and “highly effective” teaching practices that support all pupils in achieving success.

Strengths

• Pupils experience success through teachers’ use of “individualised positive interactions”, “clear explanations”, and “effective probing questioning”.
• The school demonstrates a “strong inclusive ethos” with effective strategies that “reduce barriers to learning”, contributing to a significant decrease in suspensions.
• There is “highly effective” professional learning for staff, including innovative use of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence.
• The school has forged “innovative and extensive links” with the community, including impactful partnerships with businesses, charities, and former pupils.
• Parents and pupils report that children “thrive” and “flourish” due to the care and work of staff.

Areas to improve

• Departments should “reinvigorate planning” to ensure it reflects current high-quality pedagogy and is informed by pupil views.
• The school needs to ensure KS3 pupils have “full access to the physical education curriculum”, specifically regarding swimming.
• Citizenship provision requires “more effective monitoring of the consistency of provision”, and RSE planning should include more pupil views.

Safeguarding

The report states that “arrangements for child and adult protection align to the current statutory guidance”.