Double the celebration for school
A HIGH school with pupils from some of the most deprived areas of Wales has been given the highest possible seal of approval by inspectors.
Cardiff’s Fitzalan High School was awarded “double excellent” standard by Estyn inspectors who said they were impressed by its “clear vision” and promotion of “outstandingly high levels of aspiration and ambition”.
About 60% of the school’s 1,721 pupils live in the 20% most deprived areas of Wales with 32.7% eligible for free school meals, far higher than the 17.4% national average.
The school, which serves a diverse catchment in Canton, Butetown, Riverside and Grangetown was praised for its inclusive approach and provision for all pupils from the most academically able to those with additional learning needs.
“The school has been exceptionally successful in establishing an ethos that celebrates diversity and achievement and creates a culture of inclusivity, care and respect,” the report notes.
Inspectors said the school has “a highly inclusive and caring community” providing “outstanding support for pupils’ wellbeing, which contributes considerably to pupils’ high standards and strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural development”.
On GCSE results the document shows the proportion of pupils achieving five A*-A grades at GCSE is consistently higher than that in similar schools.
At A-level, the proportion of pupils getting three A*-C grades and of those achieving three A* or A grades at A-level or equivalent has fluctuated over the last three years, but is generally in line with the averages for pupils in similar schools.
Pupils aged 11 to 16 eligible for free school meals achieving the core subject indicator is well above the national average and no pupil has left the school without a recognised qualification in the past five years.
On reading, writing and maths, the report notes that many pupils show a high level of technical accuracy in their written work, have sound reading skills and well-developed numeracy skills.
Rating teaching at the school “good” inspectors said nearly all teachers have good subject knowledge and develop strong working relationships and well-understood routines with their classes but in a few instances, teaching is not consistently effective enough.
Head teacher Cath Bradshaw said: “Pupils, parents, staff and governors at Fitzalan are celebrating after receiving the highest overall judgement of excellent in their Estyn inspection.”