The John Fisher School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 June 2023

Leaders make sure that pupils benefit from taking part in lots of clubs and trips, including visits to places such as New York and Barcelona. A high proportion of pupils also represent their school in a wide range of sports, including in the many fixtures that take place on Saturday mornings. Parents and carers typically report that their children are happy and safe at school. Pupils say that they learn how to stay safe through their relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) lessons. Leaders also put a lot of emphasis on supporting pupils with their mental health and well-being. This includes ensuring that there are trained 'wellbeing listeners' who pupils can approach to talk to about any worries or concerns. Most pupils behave well and work hard in lessons. Pupils are taught to understand and respect school diversity and people's differences, including other faiths and beliefs. Leaders and staff have created a sense of community, captured through what many refer to as feeling part of the 'Fisher Family'. Leaders have high ambition for pupils. This can be seen through the rising proportion of pupils who are studying the English Baccalaureate.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, there is some variation in how well teachers deliver their subject curriculums. For example, sometimes, teachers' activity choices do not support the ambition underpinning the intended curriculum. Therefore, sometimes, pupils do not develop the depth of subject knowledge that they could. Leaders need to review their subject-specific training to help staff better understand how to ensure that their activity choices and use of assessment fully support delivery of the curriculum.
• A few pupils with SEND do not have access to the same curriculum as their peers. A few pupils are not being well supported with their literacy. Leaders should review their curriculum decisions for these pupils. This should include ensuring that the quality of literacy support is consistently strong for all pupils with SEND.
• Governors acknowledge that the information they receive from senior leaders has lacked rigour. Consequently, their ability to hold leaders to account, particularly for the quality of education, has been limited. As the relatively new governing body builds on its initial successes, governors should now prioritise making decisions about the information that leaders should provide to them and when. They should use this information to hold leaders to account more effectively.

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