St Mark's High School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action, limiting the evidence available. The report confirms that senior leadership effectively drives school improvement and that student outcomes at Key Stage 4 have improved significantly. However, the ETI states it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the pupils” due to the strike.

Strengths

• The senior leadership team has a “very good understanding of and a shared vision for school improvement” and leads effectively.
• There is a “culture of self-evaluation” linked to a “well-tailored programme of continuous staff development.”
• The Key Stage 4 curriculum is “flexible and meets effectively the needs, ability and interests of the pupils,” leading to improved outcomes.
• Academic results have risen sharply, with 92% of pupils attaining five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C in 2019, “well above the Northern Ireland average.”
• Careers education is a priority, with pupils speaking “highly of the guidance and support” and partnerships with local businesses.

Areas to improve

• The report does not identify specific areas for improvement, as the inspection was unable to fully evaluate the impact of actions due to industrial action.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance issued by the Department of Education,” and pupils reported feeling safe, though the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements.”