St Edmund’s Catholic School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The headteacher is resolutely determined that all pupils have the best possible education, whatever their circumstances. He has instilled high aspiration in all leaders, teachers and pupils.

Outstanding leadership at every level characterises this school. All leaders feel fully accountable for the progress of all pupils. They accurately identify pupils who are not performing at their best and swiftly intervene to secure improvements.

Effective team working ensures that no pupil is overlooked. Relationships are strong. The underlying culture of respect and kindness for all underpins every element of pupils' experiences.

Th...ey are appreciative of the support they are given and very keen to learn. Teachers are skilful at ensuring lessons are carefully matched to what pupils need to learn. This means that no pupil is left behind and over time all make strong progress.

Every individual is catered for effectively. The curriculum is tailored to match the aspirations and interests of all pupils. The breadth of pupils' experiences, supported by an extensive extra-curricular programme, leaves pupils very well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural experiences are highly developed and are an impressive feature, thoroughly preparing pupils for life after leaving the school. The school's chaplaincy makes a significant contribution to pupils' well-being, which is as well supported as pupils' academic progress. A strong focus on teacher development has resulted in outstanding teaching over time.

Consequently, teachers are highly knowledgeable about how pupils learn and plan meticulously to help pupils improve. This unswerving commitment to improving teaching is accelerating improvements for pupils. Through carefully targeted and monitored provision, disadvantaged pupils, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs are rapidly catching up with their peers.

The pupils' exemplary conduct around the site is matched by outstanding attitudes to learning in the classroom. Pupils are eager to develop their knowledge and understanding, and then use this to further improve their work. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive in their support for the school.

They identify the pastoral support pupils receive as one of the school's many strengths. Governors bring their experience and total commitment to the best possible outcomes for all pupils to effectively challenge and support leaders.

Information about this school

St Edmund's Catholic school is a smaller-than-average secondary school.

Higher-than-average numbers of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds and the percentage of pupils whose first language is believed not to be English is more than double the national average. The percentage of pupils eligible for the pupil premium (extra government funding) is higher than is typically seen. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disabilities is above that found nationally.

The school has resource provision for pupils with hearing impairment. A small number of pupils attend off-site provision at Highbury College or local training providers. The school met the current floor targets, the minimum standards set by the government for pupils' attainment and progress in 2014.