Painsley Catholic College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 May 2022

This is a school where staff have very high academic expectations of all pupils. Younger pupils sometimes find this daunting, but they learn to value the school's rigorous approach to learning as they move through the school. Pupils rise to the school's high expectations. They make excellent progress in all subjects and achieve high standards. They are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps when they leave the school at the end of Year 11 or Year 13. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They work hard and are keen to do well. It is rare for learning to be disrupted by inappropriate behaviour. Pupils feel safe in school. When staff are aware of issues such as bullying, they usually deal with them effectively. However, there is more to be done to ensure that pupils always seek help when they need it. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' personal development. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities that pupils embrace with enthusiasm. The enrichment programme in the sixth form is especially rich and well planned. Activities help students develop important life and employability skills that they need to fulfil their career aspirations.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils are reluctant to share their views or concerns with staff. Similarly, some parents do not believe that the school listens to them or acts on their concerns. Consequently, leaders are sometimes unaware of concerns and some pupils and parents lose faith in the school's staff and systems. Governors and leaders should engage more effectively with the views of pupils and parents so that they have an accurate understanding of these stakeholders' concerns. They should then ensure they take effective action to address concerns when appropriate.

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