St Malachy's High School

Overview

St Malachy’s High School continues to demonstrate a "high level of capacity for sustained improvement" following a 2014 evaluation of "very good" overall effectiveness. The inspection confirmed that the school is capable of effecting improvement through self-evaluation and effective planning, with positive impacts on pupil outcomes.

Strengths

• A range of "effective strategies" have been implemented, including "personalised learning," "robust tracking of pupil progress," and a "whole-school focus on high quality learning and teaching."
• Pupil outcomes have improved since the last inspection, notably for those entitled to free school meals, supported by "consistent monitoring of attendance."
• An "enthusiastic CEIAG team" has established effective links with the community and local industry, enhancing work placement experiences.
• The curriculum is adapting to reflect a "broader range of courses," with a growing focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to meet pupil aspirations.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements "reflect the guidance from the Department of Education," and pupils report that they "feel safe in the school" and know how to raise concerns.