St John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School, Woking

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils receive an exceptional education at this school.

Staff have consistently high expectations for all pupils. Relationships are strong and support pupils' well-being. They are underpinned by the school's shared values of respect, aspiration, integrity, love and service.

The school's curriculum is broad and ambitious. Pupils in key stages 3, 4 and 5 achieve highly, including in national examinations. The school ensures that the needs of all pupils are catered for.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive highly effective support and achieve very well across subjects.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. This is because t...he school has consistently high expectations of behaviour and conduct.

Students in the sixth form are strong role models for younger pupils. Pupils and students in the sixth form work hard in lessons and demonstrate respect to adults and peers alike. They are keen to do well and are committed to their education.

This is reflected in the high-quality work they produce. Where pupils struggle, the school takes swift and effective action to provide helpful support.

The school offers a rich range of opportunities to develop pupils' talents and interests.

Pupils benefit from participation in a wide variety of visits, clubs, cultural events and charitable activities. These include visits to the Globe Theatre and raising money for pupils to visit Lourdes. These opportunities provide pupils and students with enriching and meaningful experiences.

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

The school's curriculum exceeds national expectations. High numbers of pupils study the English Baccalaureate. The school has thought carefully about the knowledge they want pupils to learn.

This is coherently ordered and enables pupils to recall prior learning confidently and to apply this in different contexts.

Staff ensure that secure foundations are established in Year 7. Pupils are well supported to become confident readers and writers from the start.

The school identifies pupils' specific needs accurately and shares this information with staff. Pupils with SEND are identified and supported well. Teachers use the clear guidance they are given and make skilful adaptations that enable all pupils to access and learn the curriculum successfully.

The school has prioritised high-quality subject-specific training for staff. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and present ideas with clarity. They carefully check and address any misconceptions pupils may have.

Pupils, including those with SEND, develop a deep body of knowledge across subjects. This prepares them extremely well for the next stage of their education. Students in the sixth form acquire and develop knowledge and skills that help them move successfully on to ambitious destinations.

Pupils and sixth-form students attend well. The school has high expectations of pupils' attendance and takes effective action to reduce absence. Staff are vigilant in monitoring any patterns of concern and work with external agencies to ensure that pupils' welfare is supported effectively.

The school's programme for personal, social and health education is designed to support pupils' wider development exceptionally well. Pupils learn about how to look after their mental and physical health. They benefit from learning about diversity as well as a range of different beliefs and perspectives.

The school takes every opportunity to celebrate different cultures. Pupils are confident when discussing and debating ideas. The school's focus on developing pupils' character is exemplary.

Pupils support each other willingly. Sixth-form students play a key role in the wider life of the school. They meet the school's high expectations of being 'the example, not the exception'.

Pupils readily take on roles and responsibilities and are proud to represent their school. These include anti-bullying ambassadors, form representatives, reading buddies and representatives on the student leadership team.

The school makes sure that all pupils benefit from a programme of careers advice that prepares them thoroughly for the next stage of their education, employment or training.

Visiting speakers and visits to other places of education provide pupils with useful information about different pathways, including apprenticeships and universities. This enables pupils and students in the sixth form to make informed choices about their next steps.

The school places high emphasis on staff's well-being.

Staff enjoy working here and appreciate the atmosphere of collaboration and support. The school's vision for excellence is shared by all members of the school staff. Governors and the trust champion consistently high standards.

They provide effective and rigorous challenge that is based on the range of accurate information they receive about the school's performance. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the education it provides for their children.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.