St Paul's Way Trust School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 September 2022

Pupils at this school are kind, caring and respectful towards one another. They are happy, enjoy coming to school each day and want to make the most of their studies. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils. Across the school, the broad curriculum is well designed and ambitious. The focus on ensuring that pupils are well prepared for their next steps in learning is clear. This work is particularly strong in the early years. No time is wasted in teaching children essential knowledge, including learning to read. This forms a key part of leaders' work to ensure children's readiness for Year 1. A rigorous and ambitious sixth-form curriculum means that students are well placed to choose from a wide variety of aspirational destinations when they leave the school. Pupils know that staff expect them to behave well. Pupils' excellent behaviour shows they rise to this challenge successfully. Staff apply rewards and sanctions consistently and fairly. Pupils learn about what makes a good friendship and why bullying is wrong. Bullying is rare but pupils know that they can tell any member of staff if they have any worries. They can also report their concerns anonymously, for example in the worry boxes in the primary phase. Staff act quickly to resolve any problems that arise. Leaders and staff help pupils to feel safe.

What the school should improve

• In Years 1 to 11, some of the checks on pupils' understanding do not focus on what subject content pupils know and remember from their earlier learning. At times, things that pupils are finding difficult are not picked up. When this happens, it can affect how well pupils progress through the planned curriculum. Leaders should ensure that subject leaders and teachers identify and go over knowledge that pupils have not mastered.

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