St Leonard’s Catholic School, Durham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

St Leonard's Catholic School proudly states that 'all pupils are known and loved'.

This spreads through the culture of the school. Pupils thrive in this academic and nurturing environment. Pupils' warm, respectful relationships with staff set solid foundations for learning.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well in public examinations. Results at the school have improved year-on-year. Pupils enjoy a curriculum that is skilfully designed and taught.

Expert staff teach students in the sixth form to become experts themselves. Students relish this academic challenge. They use the knowledge they gain to progress on to impressive next steps.

Pupils' attitudes t...o learning are exemplary. They are highly motivated. Pupils overwhelmingly appreciate the high-quality teaching they receive.

Pupils are keen to contribute to class discussion. They are not afraid to try, even if they make mistakes.

Pupils' personal development is a high priority in the school.

A deep and rich offer is in place. It helps pupils develop character, resilience and a broad understanding of the world. Throughout the school, pupils read engaging and thought-provoking texts.

In form time, they explore ethical dilemmas. This helps them to develop a mature outlook on the world. It also improves their communication and confidence.

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

Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). An ambitious and inclusive curriculum is in place for all pupils. Subject specialists are exceptionally knowledgeable and well trained.

They use educational research to create a highly effective curriculum journey. This journey runs seamlessly from Year 7 to Year 13. Alongside this, the curriculum is enriched in meaningful ways.

For example, sixth-form physics students excitedly share their experiences. This includes visiting a particle accelerator in Switzerland. Trips such as these enhance pupils' passion for the subject.

The school sequences pupils' learning with precision. Subject specialists carefully consider the steps that build a rich and secure body of knowledge over time. For example, lesson sequences in modern foreign languages are highly impactful.

Staff make sure each unit secures the basics in phonics, vocabulary and grammar. In this and other subjects, pupils only move on when core learning is embedded. Pupils quickly build confidence with their subject-specific skills.

They enjoy the success they achieve.

The school is committed to identifying and supporting pupils' reading ability. Staff assess pupils in reading before they join in Year 7, or as soon as possible afterwards.

This informs rapid and effective intervention. In addition, a comprehensive and effective reading curriculum runs throughout the school. Trained form tutors read aloud from ambitious and stimulating short stories.

Tutors model fluency and expression well.Students in the sixth form enjoy a wealth of academic wider reading. This helps them develop a breadth of knowledge that supports their further studies.

Pupils love coming to school. Their high attendance rates are evidence of this. Pupils are effusive about the range of opportunities the school provides.

Students in the sixth form listen to talks from a multitude of guest speakers. These speakers cover a range of fascinating topics. Each talk is tailored to the interests, ambitions and age of the students.

Across the school, pupils are taught how to stay safe in a range of different contexts. They also learn about other cultures and faiths in a coherently planned way. Pupils are articulate when discussing this learning.

It helps them to stay safe but also to embrace and celebrate difference in the wider world.

Careers information integrates seamlessly into the curriculum at the school. In subjects, pupils learn about a range of careers they could pursue.

Sixth-form students learn about apprenticeship pathways. They also enjoy student-led societies that help them prepare for their next steps. For example, budding medicine undergraduates enjoy comprehensive support.

This enables them to prepare for the application process.

The school has experienced significant disruption over recent years. This is due to the national Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) issues in school buildings.

It is testament to exceptional leadership that educational standards have improved during this time. Staff have maintained a culture of positivity and success. This has happened in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Staff are highly consistent in their work. They enjoy coming to work and feel valued. Parental engagement has improved significantly from the last inspection.

Most parents would now recommend the school. Leaders, including trustees and governors, have a strong vision for the school. They implement this with unwavering determination.

There is an exceptional culture of high expectations. As a result, pupils flourish academically and socially.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.