St John Plessington Catholic College

Overview

The report states that pupils and sixth-form students access a “high-quality education” and achieve well, supported by an “ambitious” curriculum. While most pupils behave respectfully, the school’s overall effectiveness is judged as Good, with behaviour and attitudes requiring improvement due to inconsistent implementation of new expectations.

Strengths

• Leaders have designed a curriculum that is “ambitious for all,” including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring clear progression from Year 7 to Year 13.
• Teachers use subject expertise to explain knowledge clearly and adapt teaching effectively for SEND pupils, who “learn well alongside their peers.”
• Sixth-form students develop independence through enrichment activities such as the scholars programme and community volunteering, with “good” attendance.
• Leaders prioritise spiritual and moral development, providing a comprehensive careers programme and ensuring pupils are “well prepared for life in modern Britain.”
• Staff feel supported by leaders, who have taken action to improve well-being and workload, ensuring staff voices are heard.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, teachers do not use assessment strategies effectively to address misconceptions or check that knowledge is secure before introducing new learning.
• A small number of older pupils do not behave as expected, undermining the positive culture; leaders must ensure consistent implementation of the new behaviour policy.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders maintaining a “strong culture of safeguarding” and working closely with agencies to ensure timely help for pupils at risk.