St Patrick's College

Overview

The inspection was significantly limited by industrial action, meaning the ETI was “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided.” Consequently, no performance levels were assigned for outcomes, provision, or leadership. The report relies on available data and discussions, noting that while some aspects of governance and pupil satisfaction were positive, the overall quality of education could not be fully evaluated.

Strengths

• Pupils commented positively on the “warm and friendly ethos” and the “high level of support provided by their teachers.”
• In two of the last three years, GCSE attainment at grades A* to C was “well above the Northern Ireland... average for similar schools.”
• Governors work “effectively with the senior leaders” and have “sound processes in place” to evaluate pupil outcomes.
• The school’s curriculum offer at key stage 4 and post-16 is described as “broad and balanced.”
• Pupils report that they “feel safe in the school” and are aware of procedures for raising safety concerns.

Areas to improve

• The school needs to review its examination entry policy, as “too many pupils are taking too many subjects and not attaining at grades A* to C.”
• Specific strategies are required to address the “underachievement of boys at GCSE or equivalent level.”
• Senior leaders should strengthen the capacity of governance to “monitor and evaluate the impact of recent curricular changes.”

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” though the ETI was unable to fully evaluate their outworking due to the industrial action.