Maricourt Catholic High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Pupils are happy at this school. They feel a deep sense of belonging to a wider community. They embody the school's Catholic ethos and 'Mercy Values'. Leaders know pupils well and understand their individual circumstances. This enables them to build positive relationships with pupils. As a result, pupils enjoy coming to school. Pupils feel safe. They have several trusted adults who they can approach with concerns. They thrive in a culture of care. Pupils learn how to respond to local and national risks. For example, they undertake extensive learning about misogyny. Leaders adapt this learning so that all pupils can access it. As a result, pupils make sensible choices that help to keep them and others safe. Pupils enjoy a calm and purposeful environment. They follow routines seamlessly, creating an orderly atmosphere around the school. Bullying is rare and leaders deal with it effectively. Pupils value a culture in which positive work is recognised and rewarded. They learn in classrooms that are free from distraction. Teachers capture pupils' attention skilfully and use a range of approaches to reduce pupils' barriers to learning. They routinely check pupils' understanding and adapt learning when needed. As a result, pupils make appropriate progress in their learning. This is reflected in positive results in most subjects at the end of key stages 4 and 5. Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Leaders work closely with pupils to shape this offer. Leadership opportunities help pupils to develop responsibility and confidence. For example, students in the sixth form support younger pupils with reading. Pupils speak enthusiastically about educational visits, particularly visits to Iceland and Spain. Pupils also benefit from comprehensive careers guidance. Consequently, almost all pupils progress successfully on to further education, employment or training.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to improve pupils' attendance so it is consistently in line with or better than national average.
• Leaders should continue to improve the consistency of teaching across subjects, including the use of adaptive strategies, so that pupils learn well across the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that improvements to the curriculum lead to positive trends in pupils' achievement across the curriculum.

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