St Katherine's School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 31 March 2026

Pupils at St Katherine’s are very proud of their school community. They are motivated to achieve and want to succeed. Pupils enjoy their lessons and the wider experiences on offer. Leaders, with the support of the trust, have planned an ambitious curriculum. This allows pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding across a broad range of subjects. Most pupils achieve well. In most lessons, pupils actively take part and link new learning to their previous knowledge effectively. Pupils typically complete the qualifications they need to move on to their next steps successfully. This includes in the sixth form, where students benefit from a dedicated learning environment and specialist staff. Most pupils attend regularly. They know how important it is to come to school to learn. The individual barriers that pupils have in relation to their learning or wellbeing are carefully identified. Staff support pupils well. They help pupils to overcome any challenges, for example with mental health support or interventions to address gaps in knowledge. Pupils feel safe and have positive relationships with staff and their peers. Leaders encourage pupils to be themselves and to treat others with respect. Bullying, and unkindness to others, is rare. If it does happen, staff take swift action. The school has high expectations for behaviour. Classrooms are calm and orderly, which means that pupils learn without disruption. Pupils are well prepared for adult life through the high-quality personal development programme. Activities such as house competitions and sporting activities help to develop pupils' talents and interests. Sixth-form students and older pupils act as role models, including mentors, for younger pupils. Pupils receive well-planned careers guidance. This gives them a clear understanding of the world of work.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to embed improvements to the post-16 provision so that all students consistently achieve well.
• Leaders should ensure that their actions to improve attendance are embedded and sustained so that attendance for all groups of pupils continues to improve.

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