St Paul's RC Academy

Overview

The inspection found that St Paul’s RC Academy is led well by a headteacher who fosters a “positive, calm and nurturing environment for learning” grounded in Gospel values. Pupils are described as “respectful, well-mannered and proud,” benefiting from high levels of support and a strong sense of belonging. While leadership and wellbeing evaluations were rated satisfactory, learning, teaching, and assessment were rated good, with the inspectorate expressing confidence in the school’s capacity to continue improving.

Strengths

• The headteacher creates a “positive, calm and nurturing environment” with a clear focus on relationships and wellbeing.
• Pupils are “respectful, well-mannered and proud,” appreciating the encouragement and support they receive.
• Teachers implement “St Paul’s RC Academy Standards for Learning, teaching and assessment,” ensuring lessons are “well structured and consistent.”
• Staff work effectively to address barriers to learning, resulting in almost all pupils achieving literacy and numeracy qualifications.

Areas to improve

• Leaders and staff should improve approaches to evaluating school improvement work to foster a “more ambitious and aspirational culture.”
• Teachers should develop “creative, innovative and engaging learning experiences” and maximise the use of digital resources.
• Senior leaders should develop a whole-school strategy for raising attainment and progress with a “refreshed curriculum.”
• The school community should work together to remove barriers to young people’s attendance.

Safeguarding

The report notes that the evaluation for “Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion” was rated good, indicating effective practices in these areas.