St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 March 2026

Pupils are safe, cared for and happy at this nurturing school. They recognise that the school has improved in recent years. Staff encourage pupils to be 'the best version of themselves'. Pupils appreciate the clear routines and expectations that help them achieve this. They typically attend well. Pupils attend a school that promotes love and kindness in all aspects of its work. Pupils learn about diversity and tolerance in well-taught personal development lessons. In most cases, pupils apply this knowledge to their daily interactions. Some parents and pupils raise concerns about bullying. However, pupils typically say that when they report these concerns, staff take them seriously. Pupils make successful progress through a well-designed curriculum. They enjoy their lessons and are keen to contribute. In some lessons, the teaching does not consistently extend or deepen pupils' learning as effectively as it should. For some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities there is more work to do to ensure they achieve and attend well. Students in the sixth form speak passionately about their subjects. They take pride in the knowledge they develop over time. Pupils receive a high-quality careers education. This begins before many pupils join the school in Year 6. By the end of Year 11 or Year 13, pupils develop a clear understanding of their next steps. They talk enthusiastically about ambitious destinations and understand exactly how to reach them. Many pupils take part in the wider opportunities the school offers. They enjoy singing in the choir, travelling internationally and joining a diverse range of extra-curricular clubs. Pupils who face barriers to learning are central to the school's work. Targeted support helps them access lessons alongside their peers. Provision provided in spaces in school, such as 'The Link', builds pupils' confidence and resilience over time and helps them re-engage with the curriculum.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should build on improvements in teaching and support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities so that pupils consistently achieve in their learning, attend well and meet the school's high expectations for behaviour.
• Leaders should continue to build positive relationships with all stakeholders so that high-quality partnership work further enhances pupils' outcomes and wider development.
• Leaders should ensure that teaching, including in the sixth form, consistently helps pupils build on prior knowledge to deepen, extend and connect their learning.

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