St Philip Howard Catholic School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The headteacher's inspirational leadership has improved all aspects of the school since the last inspection. Governors and the senior leadership team are highly effective. Together they have created a culture where staff and pupils thrive.

The headteacher and senior leaders have systematically developed staff expertise. Consequently, teachers are highly skilled and standards are high. Governors make a valuable contribution to the school's success.

They meticulously monitor all aspects of the school's work and challenge leaders, and themselves, to do better where necessary. Outcomes are outstanding. Excellent relationships between ...teachers and pupils, together with highly effective systems for tracking pupils' progress, ensure that all groups of pupils achieve very well.

Achievement at GCSE has been well above the national average for the past three years. High-quality teaching, learning and assessment ensures that pupils make above-average progress in all subject areas. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary and their attendance is above average and rising.

Leaders and teachers ensure that pupils hold a strong work ethic, high aspirations and a genuine desire to excel. The school offers a caring and inclusive community where pupils flourish. Regular opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are woven throughout lessons and the life of the school.

Consequently, pupils are very well prepared for life in modern, diverse Britain. Leaders ensure that disadvantaged pupils are very well supported and make better progress than other pupils make nationally. Pupils with special educational needs or disability are extremely well supported and make exceptional progress.

The curriculum across the school, including the 16 to 19 provision, is effective. It provides excellent opportunities for pupils' personal and academic development. Pupils are happy at St Philip Howard Catholic High School and staff keep them safe.

Parents are enthusiastic in their support for the school and believe that it serves their children extremely well.

Information about this school

St Philip Howard Catholic High School is an average-sized secondary school with a sixth form. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional government funding) is well below the national average.

Some pupils are eligible for the Year 7 catch-up premium. A small number of pupils in key stage 4 attend alternative provision at Chichester College to study vocational courses. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability is well above the national average.

The proportion with a statement of special educational needs or education, health and care plan is in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for attainment and progress.