Holy Family Catholic School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 March 2023

Pupils said they enjoy the strong friendships they build here. The school is welcoming and like a family. Pupils appreciate the supportive staff who push them to go the extra mile in their work. Staff promote the values of respect and equality. Pupils learn to treat others as they would like to be treated. Leaders ensure that pupils' attendance is high. They support pupils to be punctual. Working relationships between adults and pupils are positive. Pupils know that staff will resolve any issues, including incidents of bullying. They are safe and happy at school. Pupils value liturgical assemblies which encourage them to reflect. Leaders ensure that visitors speak to pupils about important topics, such as keeping safe in the local area. Staff have increasingly high expectations of pupils' work and behaviour across the two school sites. Leaders encourage pupils to be good citizens and to help others. For example, students in the sixth form act as reading buddies.

What the school should improve

• In Years 7 to 9, teaching does not routinely check pupils' understanding of what they learn. This means that, at times, pupils' misconceptions are not addressed with consistent rigour and accuracy. Leaders should ensure that approaches to checking pupils' learning are used routinely and purposefully in all subjects.
• Although leaders provide a range of opportunities for pupils' wider development, they do not oversee these sharply enough. As a result, pupils' take-up of these experiences is variable. Leaders must ensure that the personal development offer is checked rigorously, so that a high number of pupils can build on their individual interests and talents.

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