Loreto College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students' progress in English and mathematics is excellent.

They join the college with above-average results and achieve exceptionally well across many subjects. As a result, their attainment when they leave is very high. Teaching is outstanding.

Teachers display excellent subject knowledge, know their students exceptionally well and plan their lessons meticulously. Consequently, students of all abilities enjoy their learning and respond readily to the challenges they are set. The college's provision for students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is exceptional.

Students develop into considerate, compass...ionate, thoughtful and confident young people as a result. Behaviour is exemplary. Students develop wholly positive attitudes towards their learning and to each other.

The school is, consequently, a very caring and safe community. The commitment of the school to support all its students is very strong. All students are able to participate fully in the experiences offered, regardless of their background or need.

Support for disabled students and those who have special educational needs is outstanding. The headteacher has established very clear aims and expectations about the quality of education the college should provide. She has brought significant improvements to teaching and achievement and has the overwhelming support of staff, students and parents Governors are very experienced and have a very accurate view of the school.

They are very supportive but are not afraid to set demanding targets for leaders and staff. The sixth form is outstanding. Students are being very well prepared for the next stage of their education because they are taught to be independent, achieve very well and make a significant contribution to the community.

Information about this school

Loreto College is an average-sized secondary school academy. The college is one of the British group of schools linked to the world-wide Loreto organisation, established by the Sisters of Loreto. As a result, it has links with many overseas schools.

Loreto College converted to become an academy school in March 2012. When its predecessor school, Loreto College, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding. The proportion of students from minority ethnic backgrounds is well above average but the proportion who speak English as an additional language is below average.

The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium (extra government funding to support students in local authority care and those who are known to be eligible for free school meals) is very small. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs is below that found nationally. A below-average proportion of students are supported through school action.

A below-average proportion of students are supported through school action plus or have a statement of special educational needs. The college meets the government's current floor standards, which set minimum expectations for student attainment and progress. One student is educated in off-site, alternative provision.