St Ignatius College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

Pupils are exceptionally proud ambassadors for their school. They are courteous and warm, both to each other and to visitors. Pupils appreciate their teachers and know that all staff will respond swiftly and effectively to any concerns. Pupils behave in an exemplary manner. They know the importance of 'social responsibility' and make every effort to look out for others. For example, sixth-form students volunteer as 'Ignatian Hands', supporting younger pupils with their learning. Pupils hold many leadership positions, including as charity ambassadors, faith ambassadors and sports team captains. The school has the highest expectations for pupils and their learning. Pupils enjoy working through the ambitious curriculum and take pride in their work. Achievement is especially high in GCSE examinations. Many pupils choose to join the mixed sixth form, where female students are welcomed with great respect. Sixth-form students are well supported with selecting their next steps. The vast majority progress to their first-choice university. The school ensures that pupils have plentiful opportunities that go beyond the academic. For example, pupils take part in a programme of varied visits to the seaside, theatre and further afield to China. An exemplary offer of extra-curricular activities encourages pupils to develop a rich range of talents and interests. These include cooking, swimming, Latin, music production and gospel choir.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have made recent changes to strengthen the sixth-form curriculum, which are not fully embedded. As a result, achievement in some sixth-form subjects is not consistently high. The school should ensure that it continues to sharpen aspects of the taught curriculum, including building on the strong practice of the higher achieving subjects in the sixth form, so that students achieve equally well across subjects.

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