Ofsted: Saint Michael’s 'delighted' with near-perfect report

Saint Michael’s Catholic High School, in High Elms Lane, Garston, was given the highest possible rating for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision in a report published yesterday (March 11).

Since September, last year, Ofsted no longer makes one-word judgements in its reports, but the school’s ratings across the separate ‘key judgements’ were near-perfect, with the only category not rated ‘outstanding’, quality of education, still being found ‘good’.

Saint Michael's pupils (Image: St Michael's) Headteacher Edward Conway said he was “really proud” to read the report, as it showed inspectors had noticed many of the same qualities, such as pupils’ standards of behaviour, that he experiences “on a daily basis”.

“I’m delighted with the report, I think its an accurate report on where we are,” he said.

“We have wonderful students at Saint Michael’s and they were particularly praised in the report, which I’m really happy with.”

Headteacher Edward Conway. (Image: St Michael's) Mr Conway added that he was also glad to see recognition for the “committed” teachers and other members of staff “who go above and beyond the call of duty”.

Ofsted’s team of five inspectors, who visited the mixed-gender academy over two days in February, carried out ‘deep dives’ into English, maths, science, geography, languages, and design and technology.

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They visited a sample of lessons, held meetings with leaders and staff, observed pupils’ behaviour and spoke with a group of students, and scrutinised recordkeeping.

“The school has undergone many positive changes from improvements to the fabric of the building to the curriculum and how it is taught,” the report said.

“These have been led and managed well and have gained the confidence of parents, staff and pupils.

“Leaders are clear about the strengths and areas for further development of the school.

Headteacher Edward Conway with Saint Michael's pupils. (Image: St Michael's) “Staff feel supported with their workload and well-being.”

One area for improvement was found, with inspectors finding that “on some occasions” teachers do not check pupil’s understanding of content effectively before moving on to new learning.

Safeguarding arrangements were found the be effective and SEND (special educational needs and/or disabilities) provision was praised.