St Colman's College

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action, meaning only senior leadership cooperated with inspectors. Consequently, the ETI could not fully evaluate teaching quality or safeguarding implementation, stating it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided.” Despite these limitations, the report highlights strong strategic leadership and positive pupil attitudes.

Strengths

• There is an “embedded culture of self-evaluation at senior leadership level,” with data effectively informing the school development plan.
• Curriculum restructuring has positively impacted post-16 outcomes, including the introduction of vocational subjects.
• Attainment at GCE A level shows an “improving trend,” with 88% of pupils achieving three grades A*-C in 2018.
• Pupils are “very proud of their school,” reporting “very positive working relationships with staff” and excellent facilities.
• Students appreciate the “open options system” for subject choices and the extensive extra-curricular opportunities.

Areas to improve

• The ETI was “unable to evaluate fully the outworking and impact” of identified improvement actions due to non-cooperation by teaching staff.
• Full evaluation of safeguarding arrangements was not possible owing to the industrial action.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance issued by the Department of Education,” and pupils reported feeling safe, though the ETI could not fully evaluate their implementation.