St Paul's High School

Overview

St Paul’s High School continues to demonstrate a “high level of capacity to identify and bring about improvement in the interest of all the pupils.” The inspection confirms that strategic work since 2016 has been “highly effective in improving further the provision for learning and raising further the standards the pupils attain.”

Strengths

• Attainment at five GCSEs, including English and mathematics, remains “significantly above the NI average for similar schools,” with outcomes for pupils entitled to free school meals also improving markedly.
• An “inclusive ethos permeates the school,” characterised by “very high quality of the working relationships at all levels” and mutual respect between staff and pupils.
• Learning and teaching is highly effective, with lessons observed being “effective in promoting learning and most were very good,” featuring “brisk, well-paced and challenging activities.”
• The school successfully supports pupils with barriers to learning through a “nurturing and supportive approach,” resulting in high standards and improved personal and social skills.

Areas to improve

• The school must proceed “as a matter of urgency” with an “updated security system,” a need raised with the relevant authorities.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “continue to reflect the guidance from the Department of Education,” and pupils reported feeling “safe, secure and very happy in school.”