St James' Catholic High School

Overview

The report describes a school where leaders have established an ambitious curriculum and personal development programme, resulting in a strong sense of belonging and high staff morale. Pupils are generally well prepared for their next steps, with achievement in English and mathematics above the national average, though the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils has recently widened.

Strengths

• Leaders have created an "ambitious personal development programme" that effectively supports pupils’ mental health, resilience, and understanding of fundamental British values.
• Careers education is a "significant strength," with strong external partnerships ensuring pupils are "well prepared for the next stage of education."
• The school environment is "calm" and "orderly," with pupils demonstrating respect and bullying being "rare."
• Staff make "suitable adjustments" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access the same curriculum and opportunities as their peers.
• Attendance rates are "above the national average," supported by effective systems to identify and remove barriers.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure strategies to close the widening attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and non-disadvantaged pupils nationally are effective.
• Strategies to improve attendance must "rapidly lead to high attendance for all pupils," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Leaders should ensure gaps in knowledge and skills in writing are "quickly identified and addressed for all pupils in all year groups."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.