Saint Michael’s Catholic High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Students make outstanding progress and the vast majority achieve above-average standards in a range of subjects at GCSE, including English and mathematics. Teaching is outstanding. Teachers teach with authority because they have good subject knowledge.

They plan interesting and enjoyable learning activities, which challenge students to work hard and achieve their best. Leaders have improved the quality of teaching and learning, behaviour and safety, and leadership and management, through coaching, training and personal target setting. This is raising standards for students.

Disadvantaged students, disabled students and t...hose with special educational needs, make excellent progress and achieve well because the targeted funding is used effectively to support them. The most-able students are stretched and challenged in lessons, and participate in 'master classes' and visits to universities. Students feel very safe in school and have an exceptionally well developed sense of right and wrong.

Students' behaviour is outstanding. They are highly collaborative, courteous, polite and considerate. Adults and students show a high level of mutual respect.

The school is an extremely calm, purposeful, peaceful and harmonious community. Attendance is above average. Students enjoy coming to school.

They attend punctually and ensure that lessons are able to begin on time. The headteacher leads the school exceptionally well. He receives strong support from a skilled, perceptive and effective governing body.

Together, they have secured the dedication, loyalty and trust of staff who show willingness to 'go the extra mile' and ensure students receive exceptional pastoral care and achieve their best. The sixth form is outstanding. High expectations from leaders and teachers underpin students' commitment to strive to achieve high grades.

There is an increase in the proportion achieving higher grades and progressing to good universities.

Information about this school

Saint Michael's Catholic High School converted to become an academy on 1 March 2012. When its predecessor school, Saint Michael's Catholic High School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged outstanding overall.

The school is part of The Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust. The school is larger than the average-sized secondary school. Most students are White British.

The proportion of minority ethnic students is above average. Likewise the proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is above average. At around 11%, the proportion of disadvantaged students supported by the pupil premium is well below average.

This is additional funding for students in local authority care and those known to be eligible for free school meals. About 15% of students are disabled or have special educational needs. This is below average.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress by the end of Year 11. Thirteen students in Key Stage 4 currently attend off-site courses at Oaklands College and Chesbrook Education Support Centre. The school works in partnership with the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Teaching Alliance to improve the quality of teaching in local schools.