Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive in this caring school community.

Pupils are safe and well looked after. They believe that the school prepares them well for their next steps. They know how to stay safe online and in the outside world.

The school prioritises teaching pupils about the importance of physical and mental health.

Pupils value the respectful rapport that they build with staff and each other. All pupils have a trusted adult they can speak to.

Teachers are always there to help them to refine their work. Staff consistently hold the view that all pupils will achieve to the best of their ability. Pupils perform exceptionally well in their academic studies and in t...he wide range of enrichment activities that the school provides.

Pupils gain confidence and resilience. They take on leadership roles such as form captains and mental health ambassadors. Pupils make a notable contribution to charities, including a well-known charity for overseas development.

Pupils demonstrate strong attitudes to learning. They said that it is rare for pupils to misbehave or to be mean to others. Pupils do not tolerate any unkind or disrespectful behaviour.

Consequently, it rarely happens. In the unusual case that it does, pupils have full confidence in staff to intervene. Sixth-form students are excellent role models for their younger peers.

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

The school provides all pupils with an ambitious and broad curriculum. This helps pupils to make well-informed option choices in Year 9. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum.

The school is adept at identifying undiagnosed SEND and ensuring that staff are well trained in understanding pupils' individual needs. Staff make adaptations to the curriculum that will help these pupils to achieve highly. Pupils are tested in reading on their arrival at the school.

Staff use this information to ensure that any interventions are sharply focused. Reading for pleasure is an important part of the school's culture. Pupils enjoy completing reading challenges and make frequent use of the school library.

Teachers emphasise the importance of wider reading, including in the sixth form.

Across subjects, the curriculum is well designed. The school has considered the important knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils need.

There are frequent opportunities to revisit key concepts. In history, for instance, pupils return to ideas of political power and empire in their study of Britain, Africa and Germany. Teachers set tasks that help pupils to secure a deep and rich understanding of taught content.

Pupils approach their work more independently as they move through the school.

Teachers are experts in their subjects. They routinely check pupils' understanding and use this information to inform their teaching.

Teachers address any misconceptions quickly. Throughout the school, pupils receive precise and helpful feedback. This enables them to improve their work.

Teachers' open-door policy means that sixth-form students can access additional help.Pupils work hard and are keen to do well. They are exceptionally focused in lessons.

Behaviour around the school is also impressive. Pupils show high levels of respect for others. The vast majority attend school every day.

They appreciate the rewards that they receive for high levels of attendance. Staff know each pupil well. They work sensitively with families in rare cases of persistent absence.

Pupils enjoy an exceptional offer beyond the academic. This is highly valued by parents and carers. It includes a well-sequenced personal, social and health education curriculum.

Pupils learn about topics such as consent and gaslighting at an age-appropriate level. Sixth-form students learn how to be alert to danger when socialising. The school makes judicious use of guest speakers to enhance pupils' learning.

Pupils have a strong understanding of the protected characteristics. Pupils also have a voice in the running of the school. A highlight of the year is the competitive 'house music' or 'house drama' event.

The majority of pupils take part, either in the performance or behind the scenes. Pupils also enjoy the annual celebration of their multi-cultural school community. There are a huge range of lunch and after-school clubs that pupils are keen to attend.

These include sports, music and drama.

The school provides comprehensive provision for careers information, education, advice and guidance. Pupils access impartial careers advice.

They benefit from work experience and the school's careers event. This is attended by employers and education institutions. Sixth-form students are guided in their applications for university or apprenticeships.

All staff are proud to work at the school. They speak highly of leaders' consideration for their workload and well-being. Staff at all levels get focused opportunities to develop professionally.

Governors know the school well. They show a secure understanding of their role in providing support and challenge to leaders.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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