St Columb's College

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action, with almost all teachers refusing to cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) states it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the pupils.” The report notes that evaluations are based only on evidence available at the time and that full assessment of key areas was not possible.

Strengths

• The school development plan prioritises strategies to “track progress and raise attainment at all levels,” including a new assessment structure.
• The post-16 curriculum has been broadened to include general and applied subjects to “meet better the needs, abilities and aspirations of the pupils.”
• Senior leadership restructuring has “clearly and appropriately defined the strategic roles” of leaders, improving links with curriculum heads.
• Careers education provision has been developed through staff training and effective links with “community and local industry,” resulting in better work placements.
• Pupils spoke positively about careers guidance, citing the use of “past pupil experiences, external speakers” and enrichment activities.

Areas to improve

• The report notes that standards in public examinations are “below the average for similar schools in the same free school meals band.”
• The school is required to use data more effectively to set targets and track progress, though full evaluation was hindered by non-cooperation.

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 fully evaluate these arrangements due to the industrial action.