Saint Cecilia's Church of England School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 June 2023

Leaders have established a culture of high expectations. They are ambitious for pupils to achieve well through, for example, the high proportion of pupils who study all three science subjects at GCSE. In addition, students in the sixth form receive lots of effective guidance in preparation for life after school. Leaders celebrate the school's Christian ethos while also promoting high levels of respect and tolerance for the faiths and beliefs of others. This helps to create a sense of community at the school where pupils get along well with each other. Pupils recognise the importance of being 'upstanders not bystanders' by, for example, reporting any instance of bullying should it occur. Pupils are kept safe at school. They feel well supported and know that adults are there for them. Staff provide a kind and welcoming environment. They develop positive relationships with their pupils. Classrooms are calm. Pupils work hard; they are enthusiastic learners and take responsibility for their learning. Staff have high expectations for pupils' conduct. Pupils respond to these expectations and behave well. Leaders provide a rich and varied offer of clubs and activities, such as backgammon, astronomy and softball. They also provide opportunities for pupils to nurture their musical talents and interests through instrumental lessons and opportunities to perform.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, leaders' curriculum thinking lacks rigour, and they are currently reviewing the curriculum rationale. Sometimes, teachers do not systematically check that pupils have understood important subject concepts. As a result, pupils have not built up the depth of subject knowledge that they should have. Leaders should finalise their curriculum thinking, making sure that staff consistently have the expertise required to deliver the curriculum and to check pupils' understanding effectively.
• Leaders' strategies to identify and support pupils who need additional help with reading fluency are not as well developed as they should be. This means that these pupils do not become confident and fluent readers. Leaders should review strategies to identify weaker readers, ensuring that staff have the expertise needed to support these pupils to become fluent readers.

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