St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud to be members of St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School.

They respond enthusiastically to the school's drive for excellence and high expectations. Pupils enjoy learning. They are well motivated and work hard.

This is reflected in the school's very high academic outcomes for all pupils.

This is a kind and inclusive community where everyone matters. Pupils strongly demonstrate the school values of love, forgiveness and compassion.

They seek to help others in and out of lessons and there is a warm and calm atmosphere across the school. Pupils across all years exhibit exceptionally high standards of conduct.

There is strong pastor...al support which supports pupils, including the most vulnerable.

Pupils appreciate the anonymous reporting system for any concerns they have and know they will receive prompt support. A strong focus on mental health and well-being helps pupils know how to take care of themselves and support others.

There is high participation in the extensive extra-curricular opportunities available.

Pupils talk excitedly about taking part in 'Matilda', the whole-school production. They seek to be involved and enjoy the new experiences provided. A number of pupils go on to compete in sports or perform in national-level events.

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

The curriculum is broad and ambitious for all pupils. All pupils build knowledge strongly from their starting points in Year 7 through to Year 13. Knowledge is precisely sequenced so that pupils develop a strong understanding across subjects.

Throughout the curriculum, there is deliberate coverage of additional, broader knowledge that prepares pupils exceptionally well for their next stages of learning.

Teachers have expert knowledge. They explain complex ideas very well and use questions to help pupils to develop a strong and secure understanding.

Activities are carefully chosen and require pupils to apply and deepen their knowledge. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well taught and, consequently, make strong progress through the planned curriculum. Teachers make careful use of structured discussions to further explore important knowledge.

This is reflected by pupils and students in the sixth form, who fluently explain challenging concepts. Assessment sharply identifies areas where pupils can make improvements. Across subjects, pupils review their assessments and consistently act on feedback.

This supports them to build secure knowledge.

There is a rich culture of reading across the school. Pupils read regularly because they enjoy it.

There is a sharp focus on learning vocabulary across the curriculum and reading different genres from a broad range of books. This develops confident and enthusiastic readers with high levels of comprehension across subjects.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

In lessons, pupils work diligently and fully meet the high expectations of teachers. Pupils who have joined the school are impressed by the high standard of behaviour and warm relationships with teachers. Poor behaviour is infrequent, and the school responds quickly and effectively to address any.

In these few cases, there is always robust follow-up so that pupils learn from their actions. Around school, sixth-form students are role models for younger pupils, demonstrating mature and considerate behaviour.

Pupils' personal development is promoted exceptionally well.

Through a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities, pupils develop informed perspectives. They talk knowledgably about their views on local and global issues. They have a deep understanding of cultural influences, healthy relationships and British values.

They know how to debate their views and the different ways they can influence change. Pupils develop strong moral values and can articulate these well. Through their contributions to the school and support for important causes, pupils develop a real understanding of being active citizens.

Students in the sixth form excel. Highly appropriate programmes of study offer a broad range of subjects. Many students stay on at the school after Year 11, explaining that they value the provision and trust staff to help them achieve their ambitions.

Students develop highly effective study skills. Wider opportunities purposefully prepare them for their futures. They develop the life skills needed to flourish once they finish in the sixth form.

These include opportunities to actively participate in the school community. The careers curriculum prepares pupils well for their next steps either post-16 or when they complete their sixth-form studies. Pupils and students talk knowledgably about their future plans and know how they will achieve these.

Leaders have a clear vision and continuously review the school's work to identify any further improvements. Staff value impactful measures taken to reduce their workload. They appreciate the school's well-being work and the support that leaders provide.

Governors fully meet their statutory duties. They rigorously seek to identify and embed further improvements in the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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