St Bartholomew's School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils feel well supported by staff. They build positive relationships with each other and their teachers. Pupils know who to go to if they have a concern. They are confident it will be resolved. This helps pupils to feel safe. Pupils who are disadvantaged and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive high-quality support and personalised learning. This gives pupils the opportunity to thrive in school. Pupils conduct themselves very well around the school. They live up to the ‘BARTS values’ as they strive to be brave, ambitious, respectful, trustworthy and safe. They treat each other, staff and visitors with respect and follow the agreed routines. Pupils are polite and engage well in their learning. They behave well at social times, with older pupils acting as role models to their younger peers. Staff effectively deal with the rare instances of bullying. Pupils attend school well. They have positive attitudes to their learning. Most pupils achieve well above the national average in a breadth of subjects. However, disadvantaged pupils do not achieve as well. Pupils recall what they have learned in lessons because teaching is effective. Pupils' work is of a high standard. Where a small number of pupils have barriers to their education, they are supported to achieve well from their starting points. The personal development programme builds pupils' confidence and understanding of the world. Pupils are keen to take part in wider opportunities such as sports, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Combined Cadet Force. They have the opportunity to learn about different cultures. This enables pupils to be ready for the next steps and prepares them well for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers check pupils' understanding in all subjects so that it informs subsequent teaching and ensures that pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, achieve well.
• Leaders should continue to ensure that their strategies to improve attendance support pupils to attend regularly, including those who are disadvantaged.

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