Stuart Bathurst Catholic High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 April 2024

Pupils and staff talk about how much improvement there has been at Stuart Bathurst. The building refurbishment and higher expectations mean pupils have more pride in their school. Because of the changes made to the curriculum, pupils are confident that they are learning what they will need for future success. The majority work hard in their lessons. Most take pride in the work they produce. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour; most pupils meet these standards. The new 'behaviour curriculum' is helping pupils develop a deeper understanding of the impact their choices have on others. Those who do not always make the right choices can explain how they will do better next time. Through assemblies, the wider curriculum and the SAINT programme, pupils know that everyone should be treated with respect. Most, but not all, pupils feel as valued by their peers as they should do. Pupils and students value the high-quality careers guidance that they receive. Many take part in the range of clubs and trips on offer. These include chess, book club and several sports activities. Pupils value the ways they can contribute to the school and wider community through applying to become prefects or fundraising for charities.

What the school should improve

• The school does not ensure that all teachers check carefully enough that all pupils have understood their learning. This means that some misconceptions can go unnoticed and gaps in pupils' knowledge remain. The school should ensure that all staff are confident in identifying and addressing pupils' misconceptions at the point at which they occur.
• In some subjects, the school is not equipping sixth-form students as well as it could for independent thinking and study. This means that some students are not as well prepared for the academic rigour and autonomy they will need in the next stage of their education. The school should ensure that sixth-form provision builds on, rather than replicates, the learning skills being developed through key stages 3 and 4.
• A small group of pupils have not fully bought into the school's culture of respect. The comments they make mean that some pupils do not feel valued by everyone in school. The school should ensure that there are effective reporting processes in place for all groups of pupils to share these experiences so that the school can take appropriate action in response.
• Despite the school's current efforts, there are too many pupils who do not attend school often enough. These pupils miss out on key learning and wider development experiences. They do not achieve as well as other pupils. The school should extend its work to strengthen pupils' and parents' understanding of the importance of high attendance.

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