INSPECTORS have rated a school good across the board after highlighting a ‘harmonious’ relationship between staff and students.
Head teacher St Michael’s Catholic Academy, Billingham, Helen Keough said she was delighted with the Ofsted report which praised the quality of education, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
The school was last inspected in 2017 when it was always awarded a ‘good’. In the latest inspection Ofsted met with the headteacher, senior and curriculum leaders and other staff, along with governors, the chief executive of the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust and the chair of the board of trustees.
Inspectors visited English, science, history and mathematics, examining curriculum plans and samples of pupils’ work, observing lessons, speaking to teachers and students, as well as analysing staff, parent and pupil surveys.
Head teacher Helen Keough said: “I am genuinely thrilled with the inspectors’ report because it recognises the unstinting work being carried out by students, staff and governors, with the support of families and the community, to maintain standards and make St Michael’s such a special place in which to learn.”
The report stated: “St Michael’s Catholic Academy is a caring and welcoming school. Leaders seek to develop in pupils the school virtues, such as respect and compassion. Pupils are polite and courteous.
“Pupils are well behaved around the school. Lessons are calm and orderly. This creates a positive environment in the school.”
Inspectors said that pupils benefitted from a strong personal development curriculum and took part in a range of extracurricular activities to develop their interests, highlighting the musical theatre and debating clubs.
“Pupils also have opportunities to develop leadership qualities through re-cycling initiatives and projects about the importance of healthy relationships,” the report said.
“Leaders have created well designed curriculum plans. These plans identify the most important content that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, need to know and in what order it is to be taught.
“This, in part, ensures that pupils can recall prior learning and are well prepared for future learning. For example, in English, Year 7 pupils are introduced to the tragedy genre through studying the text Romeo and Juliet. The knowledge of this genre is then built upon effectively in subsequent years.”
Inspectors said teachers had strong subject knowledge and presented information clearly. Pupils were well informed and prepared for their next steps in education, employment, or training.
The report concluded: “Leaders, including governors and trustees, have a clear vision for the school. They know what to do to improve the school further. Effective plans have been developed to inform their actions. Governors know the school well and fulfil their statutory duties. They are knowledgeable about the school’s priorities and hold leaders to account.