St Francis Xavier School - a Joint Catholic and Church of England Voluntary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

St Francis Xavier is an outstanding school.

It provides an environment where students are known well and cared for as individuals and where there is an emphasis on and expectation of high achievement. The exemplary behaviour of students makes an exceptional contribution to learning and is supportive of all. Students make very rapid progress, particularly in English, mathematics and science, which has contributed to attainment which is well above the national average and is increasing.

Current information indicates that this trend will continue this year. Teaching is good overall. This, together with the highly effective curriculum and students' excellent attitudes, leads to outstanding achieve...ment.

There are, however, a few examples of only satisfactory practice. The school has excellent systems for further developing and sharing best practice. These are leading to improvement at a pace but have not yet impacted fully.

.The behaviour of students is outstanding and reflects the school's values. The school has a very calm and purposeful atmosphere where students show respect for each other.

Students feel very safe with any incidents of bullying being extremely rare and their parents and carers agree. Attendance is above average and students are punctual to lessons. The curriculum ensures the excellent development of students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding and enables them to develop into confident and responsible young adults as they grow through the school.

The headteacher and other leaders provide clear and principled leadership and management with a confidence to make decisions in the best interests of the students. There is a rigorous and systematic approach to self-evaluation and school development. Performance management is used very effectively and contributes to strong arrangements for the professional development of staff which are leading to a rapid improvement in the quality of teaching.

Information about the school

St Francis Xavier School is a smaller than average-sized secondary school. It is a joint Catholic and Church of England School and admits students of both faiths and other backgrounds who live across a wide area which includes the town of Richmond and Catterick Garrison. Most students are of White British heritage with very few speaking English as an additional language.

The proportion of students known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average. Overall, there is a lower proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs than is found nationally. The school exceeds the current floor standards which sets the government's minimum expectations for attainment and progress.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms