Greyfriars Catholic School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy the calm and respectful environment that helps them to study and learn. The school's values of 'knowledge, care and ambition' are evident across the school.

Pupils know what is expected of them as they follow the 'Greyfriars' Way'. Relationships between pupils are kind and respectful. Pupils are confident that differences are valued and that any form of discrimination is never tolerated.

Pupils behave well in and out of lessons and bullying is very rare. Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy the opportunities they have to contribute to the life of the school and the wider community.

Expectations of pupils in lessons is high.

The sch...ool is ambitious in its aims for all pupils to enjoy their learning and to flourish as individuals. Pupils often rise to these expectations and try their hardest, even when the work is challenging.

Pupils have many opportunities to develop their skills and interests more widely.

There are leadership roles for pupils, such as the being an anti-bullying ambassador or house leader. The school is involved in both local and national partnerships. These opportunities, such as building and launching a satellite in partnership with New Voices in Space, help pupils to be ambitious for their futures.

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

Staff have been resolute in transforming this school. Parents and pupils are very positive about the improvements that have been made. They value the productive learning environment, where behaviour is positive and there are many exciting opportunities for all.

Those responsible for governance have also strongly supported the school through this recent period of significant change. They provide the appropriate support and challenge as the school collectively focuses on the key improvement priorities.

The school has an ambitious curriculum.

In each subject, planning clearly sets out what pupils are expected to learn to achieve well. Action has been taken to ensure that the curriculum is broad, including the recent introduction of more music and drama. The school recognises that further action is needed to ensure the English Baccalaureate is at the heart of the curriculum.

This includes providing support in the very small number of subjects where currently, staff have less specialist knowledge.

Pupils benefit from the clear and detailed explanations teachers give in lessons. In most subjects, teachers' strong subject knowledge helps pupils confidently build their knowledge and skills.

However, sometimes, pupils' understanding of key concepts is not checked thoroughly enough. Consequently, lessons move on too quickly, resulting in pupils having gaps in their understanding.

The school recognises the importance of ensuring pupils are confident readers with a strong vocabulary.

Planned reading sessions in tutor time encourage pupils to read for interest and pleasure. Specific strategies are used to help pupils who find reading more difficult. Pupils who speak English as an additional language benefit from the help they are given to learn key vocabulary that will be used in lessons.

In lessons, pupils are encouraged to say key words aloud and to explore their meaning.

The school has clearly identified which pupils need additional support, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers are beginning to use this information to help plan lessons which provide the help pupils with SEND need to learn.

This work is not yet complete and consequently, some pupils with SEND do not learn as much as they could.

Pupils have a positive attitude to learning. This includes sixth-form students who show resilience as they explore the interesting and often complex content as part of their A levels.

These students support each other well in lessons and enjoy their studies. They act as excellent role models for the rest of the school.

While many pupils have high attendance, a small group of pupils do not attend school as regularly as they should.

While actions have been taken to support these pupils and their families, the school recognises the need to do more to ensure pupils do not miss too much of their education.

Pupils' personal development is prioritised. Pupils learn and discuss how to be good citizens, the importance of healthy relationships and how to stay safe.

Different thoughtful themes are explored through assemblies, tutor times and lessons. Pupils value the many clubs and trips on offer as well as the regular achievement assemblies that celebrate pupils' successes.

Pupils benefit from a range of careers advice and meetings with employers.

They are confident that they know enough to make informed decisions for when they leave school. Sixth-form students particularly appreciate this guidance, with many having aspirations to study varied degrees at university.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Teachers do not always precisely check if pupils are secure in their knowledge and skills before moving on to new learning. As a result, some pupils have some gaps in their knowledge. The school should ensure pupils' understanding is checked so that any misconceptions can be identified and addressed quickly.

Learning is not always adapted successfully to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. The school should carefully monitor the full implementation of their improvements and of the training that is currently taking place. This will help all pupils, including those with SEND, acquire the knowledge they need in readiness for the next stage of their education.

• Some pupils are not attending school as regularly as they should. As a result, they are missing out on vital learning. The school needs to continue to strengthen its actions to support improvement in the attendance of these pupils.

Also at this postcode