St James' Catholic High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 April 2026

Pupils benefit from a warm and welcoming community at this school. Leaders prioritise pupils' wellbeing and care needs, putting their interests first. Pupils are safe and have trusted adults who they can talk to if needed. Staff know pupils well and encourage them to aspire for their future lives. Leaders have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. They have put a broad and ambitious curriculum in place. Typically, pupils achieve well, including in their examinations. Increasingly, they attain above national averages in a number of subjects. This is especially the case for pupils who are disadvantaged. The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified quickly. Any barriers to learning that they face are reduced through effective support. Pupils, including sixth-form students, are well prepared for their next steps. They have both the qualifications and skills they need. The school is calm and orderly. Pupils are polite and largely conduct themselves well around the site. Leaders have established clear systems to foster pupils' positive behaviour. Staff help pupils to build positive relationships. They support pupils in making the right choices, and pupils respond well to reminders given. Bullying is rare. If incidents do occur, staff deal with these swiftly and effectively. Pupils feel a sense of belonging. They attend school regularly and enjoy their learning free from disruptions. Pupils benefit from an increasing range of enrichment activities. These include clubs, for instance in 'book dragons', robotics, basketball and nail art. Pupils are encouraged to take up leadership roles, such as in the school council. They also take part in the house system and play an active role in the school’s wider life. These opportunities develop pupils' social and leadership skills. Pupils celebrate diversity and develop their understanding of fundamental British values, including tolerance and respect.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen teachers’ approaches to checking pupils’ understanding more precisely, so that those who are able can move on to more ambitious subject content.
• Leaders should continue to evaluate the impact of their offer for personal development, so that pupils fully embrace the school's values and develop greater responsibility, resilience and confidence.

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