St Edward's Catholic Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 January 2025

This is a caring school, where pupils are happy and safe. 'The Edward's Path' defines the school's family ethos. This is understood by pupils and acted on by all. Pupils speak proudly about the school virtues, 'True Mind, True Heart and True Spirit'. They appreciate how qualities such as friendship, citizenship and service, guide their journey through school. Pupils understand that these qualities help everyone in school to 'live well' and 'be a good person'. The school's positive culture encourages pupils to behave well. Pupils show kindness and love to each other and are clear that everyone is welcome. Pupil play leaders organise popular games, such as cricket. They thrive from the responsibility of coaching their peers during social times of the day. Pupils benefit from an extensive and well-considered personal development programme. This helps to broaden pupils' understanding of significant world events. For instance, they learn about the relevance of democracy through elections at home and abroad. They are taught how to consider the impact of natural disasters sensitively. The school has high expectations for all pupils. Pupils work hard and enjoy their learning. Most achieve well.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the curriculum is new and is still in the early stages of being implemented. Pupils' knowledge and skills in these subjects are still developing. Their recall and connection of important information is sometimes insecure. The school should ensure that the curriculum in each subject is implemented effectively so that pupils know more and remember more.
• On occasions, teachers do not use their assessment of pupils' learning carefully enough to spot pupils' misunderstandings or learning gaps. This means that teachers sometimes do not make appropriate decisions about pupils' next steps. The school should continue to support staff with checking what pupils have learned and what they need to revisit or do next, so that pupils' knowledge of the curriculum is secure.
• Too many pupils are absent from school too frequently. Some pupils do not arrive at school on time. These pupils miss too much important learning and too many wider experiences. The school should strengthen the processes to improve pupils' attendance and punctuality.

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