School’s good report
A WIDNES school has been deemed ‘good’ by an education watchdog.
Ofsted has published its latest inspection report on Saints Peter And Paul Catholic College.
The school has retained the overall ‘good’ rating it received when previously inspected in 2014.
The Highfield Road school has been told four of the five main areas assessed are ‘ good’ following the inspection over three days in June.
This includes the effectiveness of leadership and management, 16 to 19 study programmes, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and the personal development, behaviour and welfare.
Outcomes for pupils at the school however have been deemed to ‘require improvement’ in the education watchdog’s view.
The report said: “The headteacher and senior leaders are rightly proud of the strong Catholic ethos which permeates through every facet of school life.
“Attainment of pupils has risen over the past three years.
“A rising percentage of pupils now leave the school with good GCSE grades in English and mathematics.
“The school’s contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong.
“The majority of pupils behave well and are tolerant and respectful towards others.”
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are ‘well supported’ and make ‘good progress’ at Saints Peter And Paul, the report said.
Careers information, advice and guidance is also described by Ofsted as a ‘strength’ of the school, while ● progress and attendance in sixth form have also improved for current students.
Though disadvantaged pupils are ‘well cared for’, Ofsted said they did ‘not make as much progress as they should’ at the school in 2016.
The report said: “The progress of disadvantaged pupils is poor compared to their non-disadvantaged peers nationally.
“Some pupils are regularly absent from school, particularly those who transfer into school later on in the year.
“Leaders have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development.
“At times, some leaders are too positive and need to ensure that all improvement plans are focused on securing improved pupil progress.”
To improve further, Ofsted has recommended governors have to develop a ‘better understanding’ of how well all disadvantaged pupils are progressing to hold leaders to account and ‘swiftly address’ any underachievement.
The school has also been advised to further improve the attendance of pupils who are regularly absent from school and continue to build on improvements to the quality of teaching and learning.
Principal Wendy White said: “I am so proud of our college and delighted that the Ofsted team recognised and celebrated so much that is wonderful about Saints Peter And Paul.
“We truly care about every single individual – as Ofsted states: ‘(The college) demonstrates unwavering commitment to improving the life chances of all pupils at the school.’”