We are delighted to share the news that St Katherine’s School has been judged “Good” by Ofsted following their visit in December 2021. The Ofsted report highlights so many areas of strength at St Katherine’s as a result of the tremendous hard work all our staff, students and governors have put in over recent years. Our community should rightly feel a deep sense of pride.
The inspection team, including two of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) and two Ofsted Inspectors, looked carefully and in detail at our curriculums in mathematics, science, design technology, art and history. They visited lessons across years 7-13, discussed the curriculum in depth and asked students, teachers and subject leaders about what they were learning/teaching.
They praised the engagement of students in lessons and around the school, commenting on how well students respond to the high expectations of staff. Inspectors highlighted our ambitious curriculum for all students, how students with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported and how the curriculum is delivered within a calm and purposeful environment.
The Ofsted team met with sample groups of students (chosen by them) to discuss many aspects of school life and they spent time around the school observing social times and movement across our site. They inspected our safeguarding procedures and discussed the feedback of the parent/carer, staff and student surveys with the headteacher.
Leaders at all levels met with the inspection team and inspectors concluded that all leaders accurately evaluate the performance of their areas and have diagnosed next steps as detailed in our school development plan. We agreed with their suggestions; the two areas which we will further develop to ensure the full impact is realised for all students are:
- to improve the consistency of the teaching of reading and key vocabulary so all students can learn the curriculum;
- to further strengthen the curriculum to ensure all students are fully prepared for life in modern Britain.
We are confident our personal, social, health education curriculum alongside our equalities, diversity and inclusion work will continue to have a positive impact on our young people as we broaden their understanding in an ever changing world.
We remain deeply committed to improving St Katherine’s and will continue to serve our community with confidence and pride - we are really looking forward to delivering the ambition detailed within our 2021-23 School Development Plan.
Thank you to all the students, parents/carers and staff who responded to the Ofsted surveys. The response rate was very high and overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the strength of relationships between the school and community.
The full inspection report is available here.
