St Columba's Catholic Boys' School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 November 2024

Pupils are keen to come to this happy, inclusive school. This is a caring community that welcomes and celebrates diversity. The school sets high expectations for learning, behaviour and attendance. Pupils respond well to these. They come to school regularly and on time. Pupils behave with courtesy and respect. They take pride in all they do. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn an ambitious curriculum. They try hard and typically achieve well, producing good-quality work in different subjects. The school is adept at identifying and meeting pupils' needs. Its specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND (specially resourced provision) includes separate bases for pupils with speech, communication and language difficulties and those with complex needs. As a result, pupils are well supported and thoroughly prepared for the next stage of their education, employment or training. Pupils embrace the idea of what it means to be a 'St Columba's boy'. They aspire to the example set by many former pupils who have achieved doctorates, attended universities, set up highly successful businesses and become international sports stars. Alumni return to speak at assemblies and careers events and contribute to the school by participating in the governing body.

What the school should improve

• Assessment is not used consistently well to check and address pupils' errors and misconceptions. This means some pupils can miss out on key elements of knowledge and cannot link their learning to the bigger picture. The school should ensure that assessment is used consistently to best support pupils to build their learning across the curriculum securely.

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