Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 January 2026

Pupils enjoy their lessons. They show curiosity for the topics being studied and benefit from well-established routines in lessons and around school. This helps them to develop a sense of security and belonging that runs from Year 7 through to Year 13. Pupils joining post-16 from other local schools are made to feel immediately welcome. Despite this, in some subjects, there are areas of weakness in pupils’ performance in national examinations, including at post-16. However, pupils now receive much better support to understand how they can improve. Pupils value the warm and welcoming atmosphere that pervades the school. They behave incredibly well and feel safe. Staff set clear expectations and respond promptly when concerns arise. This helps pupils to feel supported. Pupils appreciate the positive and respectful relationships with staff. They feel confident to approach staff if they need help. Pupils attend school regularly, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This reflects the positive work that leaders carry out with pupils and their families to address barriers to attendance. The school’s Catholic ethos underpins the sense of community and belonging that pupils feel. Mature attitudes in pupils are developed through the trust that staff place in them. Pupils take part in wider school life and value the broad range of activities on offer. They enjoy preparing for their school performances, attending engineering club and taking part in racket sports. Some pupils relish opportunities where they expand their experiences through international travel. Students in the post-16 provision enjoy taking part in leadership roles. For example, they value opportunities where they can help younger pupils through mentoring positions. These activities help them to build their confidence and self-esteem. They support them to develop skills that prepare them for life beyond school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is taught consistently well across the school, particularly with regard to the impact of assessment procedures, so that pupils are enabled to achieve well in all the subjects they study.

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