St Bartholomew’s School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils recognise the very high expectations for their achievement. They strive to meet these, knowing that the school staff want the very best for them.

Pupils welcome the thoughtful support and guidance that they receive. This includes help with their learning as well as care when they have any concerns or worries.

Pupils show kindness and respect to one another in lessons and around the school site.

They feel safe, recognising that the majority of incidents of bullying are from some time ago. Leaders are resolute in ensuring that pupils and parents know how seriously they take the well-being and safety of the school community. The school's Personal Developm...ent Programme (PDP) reinforces this by giving pupils valuable time to debate issues around diversity and equality.

There are a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their interests and talents. As one pupil said, 'there is no wasted time at St Barts'. Pupils compete in many different sports.

They can show their creativity through drama productions and exhibitions. The 'Changemakers' group meets regularly to discuss issues relevant to pupils and the community. Sixth-form students take on the leadership of many of these clubs, providing younger pupils with supportive role models.

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

Pupils achieve exceptionally well at St Bartholomew's. Leaders passionately believe in providing an education that helps everybody realise their full potential. There is a very ambitious and carefully planned curriculum embedded across the school.

In key stage 3, pupils develop the skills and knowledge they need across a broad range of subjects. A high number of pupils continue to study the English Baccalaureate subjects until the end of Year 11. The majority of pupils learn a modern foreign language as part of this.

Students in the sixth form welcome the rich variety of post-16 subjects on offer. They feel very well-prepared to continue their education on to university or to enter the world of work.

Staff are very knowledgeable about the subjects they teach.

Faculty teams work closely to refine and implement excellent learning in the classroom. This means that all pupils, including the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), develop detailed knowledge across the curriculum. The number of pupils with SEND attending the school has risen over recent years.

Staff are provided with detailed information about the needs of pupils through specific plans and 'Spotlight' documents. This ensures that all staff know how to help the most vulnerable pupils achieve highly.

Leaders have put in place thoughtful learning journeys that help pupils see how their knowledge and skills will build over time.

This can be seen in pupils' books as well as in visual diagrams displayed across the school. Teachers can quickly identify any gaps in pupils' learning because the content of the curriculum is so carefully planned. Pupils can confidently apply knowledge from previous years to help them develop a stronger understanding of new topics.

For example, pupils in Year 9 can confidently talk about the different gothic texts they had read in English in Years 7 and 8. They can use this to help them reflect on how different authors have portrayed dystopian societies in 20th century literature.

The school's curriculum extends through the many different clubs, residentials and trips that are on offer.

The well-planned PDP and assembly programme also helps pupils reflect on concepts such as individual liberty and respect. Tutor time sessions give pupils vital information about healthy relationships as well as the importance of positive physical and mental well-being. Pupils are provided with regular, unbiased careers advice that helps them explore the different career pathways open to them.

Sixth-form students also benefit from talking to local businesses about the different apprenticeships that are on offer.

The behaviour of pupils reflects a determination to help everyone achieve their best. Lessons are engaging and purposeful.

Pupils follow the school's clear rules and routines because they know what is expected of them. Sixth-form students show real determination in their learning through focused study in the school's library or designated study space. The vast majority of pupils attend school regularly and on time.

When needed, the school's home tutor provides effective support for any pupils who are struggling to attend school.

Leaders and trustees are very mindful of the well-being of their staff as well as their pupils. This has been particularly valued by staff over the past year.

Leaders are very proud of their whole school community and consistently share pupils' and staff's achievements with parents through the weekly 'Bartholonews'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders are very aware of any potential risks facing their pupils.

They address these head on by providing guidance through lessons and assemblies as well as sending useful information to parents. All staff are vigilant. Records of any concerns are detailed.

These include follow up action that is swift and robust.

Pupils are confident that there is a member of staff who they can talk to about any concerns they have. The school's implementation of the 'Tell Someone' button, available on any computer in the school, has offered a further opportunity for pupils to ask for support.