Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 April 2026

Pupils enjoy their learning and typically do their best. This is because they are at the heart of this welcoming school. As pupils are very well known to staff in the school, barriers to learning or wellbeing are generally reduced. Although there are some inconsistencies in teaching in some subject areas, pupils of all backgrounds achieve well in their Year 11 examinations. Students in the sixth form benefit from thoughtful improvements to the provision and are proud to be part of this community. Those who study vocational courses achieve well. However, the A-level results are not yet high enough. Pupils attend increasingly well as they understand how important this is. They value being part of Cardinal Wiseman and appreciate the wider experiences leaders provide. This includes taking part in an interesting range of visits, participating in the many sports teams including basketball, and the opportunity to support their peers. Pupils benefit from comprehensive and broad guidance to help them make decisions about their next steps. This enables them to access ambitious destinations. Pupils express pride in belonging to this inclusive community. This is because pupils of all backgrounds feel well supported and cared for by staff. This creates a harmonious and happy school in line with its ethos. Pupils feel safe. They learn how to keep themselves safe in the wider community and how to live healthy lives. Pupils behave well. They know leaders' expectations for them and treat each other with respect. Consequently, the school is a calm and orderly place because pupils conduct themselves well. Pupils fully understand that bullying or any sort of discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum in all subjects is well sequenced and sets out clearly the key knowledge and skills pupils should learn and remember.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers effectively check pupils’ understanding of the key knowledge they are expected to secure and use this information purposefully to identify and address any gaps, errors or misconceptions in pupils’ knowledge.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers implement the agreed adaptations to activities for pupils with barriers to their learning systematically and effectively.
• Leaders should further develop their work for students studying A-level courses in the sixth form to ensure they achieve highly.

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