St James’ Catholic High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Over time, school leaders have worked diligently to create a learning ethos where pupils thrive academically and spiritually. They have focused relentlessly on sustaining high-quality teaching in a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

All staff have high aspirations for the pupils in their care and are committed to helping them achieve highly. Pupils want to do well, work hard and attend regularly. As a result, by the end of Year 11, all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, make significant progress from their starting points.

The new headteacher has brought further clarity to realising the school's vision and values. ...Her astute evaluation of the school's strengths and areas requiring further development is accurate. Together with her experienced senior leaders and supportive governing body, plans are already in place to build on the school's many strengths.

Governors are committed and experienced. They are proud of the improvements secured over time and the progress pupils make. They ensured stability while recruiting the new headteacher.

Pupils' conduct around the school is very good. They show respect and courtesy towards each other and the wider community. Pupils are keen to be active British citizens and regularly involve themselves in charitable works.

However, school leaders admit that a more consistent approach to further developing pupils' cultural, personal, social and health education would be beneficial. Students in the sixth form benefit from high levels of support and guidance. The majority go on to their chosen university or apprenticeship.

Historically, there has been variability in the progress students make on A-level courses. School leaders are working hard to address this. They have rightly prioritised 16 to 19 study programmes as an area to develop still further.

The most able pupils make much better progress than most-able pupils do nationally. However, some do not make the same substantial progress as other pupils at the school. The new headteacher is reviewing the performance management system to ensure a consistent approach and further utilise the skills of experienced staff.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. St James' Catholic High School is a larger than average-sized 11 to 19 secondary school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is in line with the national average.

Over two-thirds of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds. The largest group is Black African. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is above average.

The majority are advanced bilingual. The proportion of students who receive special educational needs support is below the national average. Pupils with a statement of special educational needs or those with an education, health and care plan is just above the national average.

Pupils' attainment on entry into key stage 3 is above the national average. A small number of pupils attend alternative provision at the Grasvenor Project and the Barnet pupil referral unit. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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