Bellerive FCJ Catholic College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils are happy and enjoy attending Bellerive FCJ Catholic College. They quickly become part of the school community in this welcoming school. Pupils describe the school as a friendly place where they feel they have a voice and belong. They value their friendships and the positive relationships that they have with staff. Pupils feel safe and know that there is someone there to help them if they have any worries. The school has raised its expectations of what all pupils at the school can achieve. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, benefit from an ambitious and varied curriculum. Largely, pupils achieve in line with national averages, although leaders know there is more to do to raise outcomes further. The school identifies any barriers pupils may have to their learning. Staff help them overcome these barriers with increasing success. Classrooms are calm and harmonious. In lessons, pupils listen carefully to teachers’ instructions and do their best to work hard. Pupils enjoy learning and are motivated to be successful in their studies. They are well prepared for the next stages of their education, employment or training. Pupils attend school regularly and behave consistently well. They respect each other and show a kindness and gentleness, underpinned by the school’s values, to their peers and staff. Students in the sixth form are excellent role models to younger pupils. Bullying is not an issue at the school. If it does occur, it is dealt with swiftly and effectively by staff. Beyond their studies, pupils benefit from a plethora of opportunities that help them flourish. They take part in sports teams, music and drama productions and an array of trips that broaden pupils’ horizons. Clubs, such as ‘debate mate’ and the British sign language club, build pupils’ communication skills for real-world use. Leaders make sure that disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities can join in.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should build upon their work so that pupils’ misconceptions and gaps in knowledge are addressed quickly and effectively across subjects.
• Leaders should check that the adaptations and adjustments that pupils need are more consistently used across the curriculum so that pupils flourish.
• Leaders should ensure that the high expectations for what all pupils can achieve are firmly embedded across the school.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)