St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, ably supported by her leadership team, has ensured that standards across the school have improved since the last inspection. Teaching, learning and assessment are strong across subjects. Teachers plan well so that activities meet the needs of pupils.

Lessons are challenging, on the whole. Nevertheless, in some subjects, the most able pupils are not challenged as much as they could be. In 2018, Year 11 pupils made average progress across a range of subjects at GCSE.

However, disadvantaged pupils made less progress than other pupils nationally. Overall, current pupils make strong progress, particularly in mathematics and sc...ience. Staff value the high-quality training they receive.

They believe that the school is well led and managed. Safeguarding is effective. Pupils feel safe and are well cared for.

Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They have positive attitudes to their lessons and are keen to learn. Teaching in the sixth form is strong.

The curriculum meets the needs of students. Consequently, students move on to appropriately ambitious destinations. Governors are knowledgeable about the school and they ensure that leaders are held to account.

The Catholic Diocese of Southwark and the local authority work collaboratively with governors and provide effective support. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress. They benefit from the extra support they receive.

The curriculum is broad and balanced. Leaders are currently reviewing the curriculum to improve participation rates in humanities and languages.

Information about this school

The headteacher joined the school in September 2016.

The school is smaller than the average-sized secondary school. The school is on a split site, with Years 7 to 8 based in the lower school, half a mile away from the upper school. The proportions of pupils from minority ethnic groups and those who speak English as an additional language are above the national average.

The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is above the national average for secondary schools. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average for secondary schools. A Section 48 inspection (reporting on religious education) was carried out in July 2014.