St Benedict's Catholic High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 March 2024

St Benedict's Catholic High School's leaders and pupils share the same high aspirations. Pupils understand and follow the values of 'learning, integrity, faith and excellence'. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Pupils work hard and achieve well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). One parent's comment: 'There is a real community environment and feeling of pride about the school,' captured the views of many. There is a purposeful atmosphere around the school. Pupils focus on their learning well. Most pupils work hard and achieve well. When some pupils lose focus and concentration, teachers act quickly and efficiently to address this. During social times, pupils walk around and mix with others in a calm and orderly manner. Pupils feel safe. They know who to talk to about any concerns they may have. The school prioritises pupils' personal development well. Some pupils regularly take part in a range of clubs such as poetry, cooking and chaplaincy. Pupils value being able to debate controversial topics, including artificial intelligence and climate change. Opportunities to support charities are many. Sixth-form students and teachers slept out in Birmingham to raise awareness of homeless charities. These opportunities enhance the curriculum effectively.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, some teachers do not consistently check that all pupils understand and remember what has been learned. This means that some pupils do not fully understand the necessary knowledge as effectively in some subjects compared to others. The school should ensure that all teachers check pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly so that pupils become secure in the key knowledge they need.
• Some pupils miss too much school, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND. This holds back their progress and achievement. The school should work more closely with parents and external agencies to communicate effectively and secure more regular attendance for all pupils.
• The school has not reviewed and analysed some of its improvement actions as carefully as it should. This means that the school does not always know the effectiveness of its strategies to support pupils' progress and development. The school should ensure that it analyses precisely the effectiveness of improvement strategies to ensure they make a positive difference to pupils' education.

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