Emmanuel College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Emmanuel College teaches pupils that they are 'infinitely precious'. This core belief, underpinned by the school's Christian ethos, is lived out by the school. Staff care deeply about pupils.

Pupils' best interests and well-being are at the heart of the decisions that leaders make. The school is a diverse and tolerant community where pupils' individuality is celebrated and where pupils' gifts and talents are nurtured. Pupils are happy and safe.

Pupils benefit from an exceptional curriculum that is highly ambitious and stimulating. The school has a relentless drive to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. Pupils rise to the very high expectations that th...e school has of them.

They behave exceptionally well and take their learning seriously. This leads to impressive examination results at the end of Year 11 and Year 13. Pupils take ambitious next steps when they leave the school.

The school's commitment to developing pupils' character is exemplary. This supports pupils to be independent and resilient. Pupils take on a wide range of leadership roles, such as prefects, reading mentors and ambassadors at school and public events.

The school provides pupils with extensive opportunities to try new things. This helps them to fully appreciate the world around them.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school's curriculum enables pupils to achieve very well in a wide range of academic and vocational subjects.

The curriculum is enriched by a wide range of opportunities for pupils to learn more. For example, pupils learn British Sign Language and complete additional examinations in music, drama and public speaking. Many pupils take advantage of these opportunities.

In the sixth form, the curriculum is equally broad and highly ambitious. For example, sixth-form students who study A-level Latin also have the opportunity to enrich their learning by studying Greek.

Teachers are experts in their subjects.

Pupils learn the important parts of the curriculum in carefully sequenced steps, including in the sixth form. The school checks thoroughly that pupils are secure in what they have been taught. Teachers ensure that pupils have regular opportunities to practise what they have learned.

For example, in English, pupils learn how to analyse key quotations step by step. Pupils draw on their knowledge of vocabulary, context and reading for implied meaning. This supports their extended writing.

Pupils write essays that are assured and thoughtful.

The school quickly identifies pupils who need support with their reading. Pupils follow an effective programme that is delivered by staff who are well trained.

As a result, they catch up quickly. Pupils enjoy reading. They are given regular opportunities to read for pleasure.

Many pupils help to promote reading and supervise in the school library. Students in the sixth form are trained to be reading mentors for younger pupils. The school's work to develop pupils' vocabulary is impressive.

As a result, pupils articulate themselves confidently and maturely.

The school's support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is highly effective. The school identifies individual pupil's needs quickly.

Staff adapt the curriculum consistently well so that pupils with SEND develop the knowledge and skills they need. As a result, pupils with SEND produce work of a high-quality and achieve well in public examinations.

Pupils have a deep understanding of healthy relationships and how to stay safe.

Pupils enjoy opportunities such as performing in the choir at a local culture centre and taking part in residential outdoor learning that develops their wider teamwork skills. There is a daily live broadcast across the school called 'Good Morning Emmanuel' that sixth-form students host, alongside members of staff. This gives pupils the chance to share their views and experiences with the school community.

This platform promotes intellectual discussion. It helps pupils to understand the importance of tolerance and challenging prejudice. Pupils' social skills, resilience and confidence are highly developed.

Teachers highlight careers pathways linked to their subjects, which encourages pupils to have high aspirations. Pupils have multiple opportunities to engage with employers. The school prepares pupils and sixth-form students exceptionally well for their next stage of education, employment or training.

The school culture places a strong emphasis on respectful and orderly behaviour. School routines ensure that pupils learn without any distractions. Pupils follow school routines exceptionally well.

Pupils' attendance is high. Pupils are proud of their achievements when these are celebrated every week at 'Emmanuel Excellence'. This gives pupils the chance to share their best work.

Sixth-form students are highly visible around the school. They are excellent role models for younger pupils.

Leaders have sustained very high standards over time.

Trustees and local governors have a precise understanding of the school. The school has responded effectively to local changes in the education landscape. As a result, more pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, benefit from the high-quality education at the school.

Leaders are mindful of staff workload and well-being. Staff are very proud to work at the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.