Bishop Stopford School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The core values, 'faith, justice, responsibility, truth and compassion', are deeply embedded at Bishop Stopford School. They inspire pupils to be the best versions of themselves as they engage wholeheartedly with all aspects of school life.

Pupils feel safe and are well cared for.

They enjoy great relationships with caring and dedicated staff. Pupils get along well together. They celebrate their differences.

Discrimination is never tolerated.

The highly ambitious curriculum is designed to help all pupils 'realise their unique potential'. Pupils rise to the challenge and achieve extremely well.

The school provides exceptionally well for pupil...s' wider personal development. There are many opportunities for pupils to develop their character by taking on leadership roles and acting as role models to their peers in their work to supporting the school and the wider community.

The enrichment programme is extensive.

Annual residential trips to South Wales in Year 7 and the Isles of Scilly in Year 8 provide memorable experiences and support pupils to build friendships and community spirit. Educational visits to Auschwitz and New York enhance the academic curriculum and provide reflection and inspiration to pupils. Many pupils enjoy the school's vast array of clubs to develop their talents and interests.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has improved significantly since the previous inspection. It has listened carefully to feedback from pupils, as well as parents and carers. Leaders have acted purposefully to make sure that all pupils enjoy their time at school and benefit fully from the high-quality education and excellent wider opportunities on offer.

For example, the school has extended and strengthened the pastoral support available to pupils. As a result, pupils have confidence that staff will support them with any difficulties they may face. Pupils are confident and resilient.

They thrive as part of a caring school community.

The curriculum is exceptionally broad and challenging. The important knowledge that pupils will learn is identified precisely.

In key stage 3, the curriculum goes beyond the expectations of the national curriculum. In key stage 4, almost all pupils study the full range of subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate. Across the curriculum, pupils gain knowledge securely and achieve remarkably well.

In the sixth form, students choose from a wide selection of A-level courses. The majority of students achieve well and go on to ambitious destinations in education, training or employment. Most students demonstrate commitment to their education and use their independent study time well.

However, expectations of how sixth-form students should use this time lack clarity. Some students do not benefit from sufficient guidance and supervision to further develop effective learning habits.Teachers present new knowledge and vocabulary clearly and expertly.

They routinely check that pupils' learning is secure before moving on. Teachers often provide opportunities to revisit topics. This helps pupils to make connections between new knowledge and what they have learned previously.

The school has effective systems for identifying special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Information about pupils with SEND is shared with staff who carefully adapt learning activities to meet pupils' needs. Staff do this very effectively so that all pupils can be successful.

The school prioritises reading right across the curriculum. Pupils read from interesting subject-specific texts that support and extend their learning. Activities such as author visits and book club further promote reading for pleasure.

The school quickly identifies when pupils need extra support with reading. Staff then provide effective help to ensure that pupils gain fluency and confidence.

All pupils and sixth-form students benefit from the extensive curriculum for personal, social and health education.

They learn about important issues that affect them, such as online safety and knife crime. The school empowers pupils to make informed decisions that affect their health and well-being. They develop mature attitudes to spirituality, diversity and equality.

The careers programme provides all pupils with detailed information about their future choices in education, training or employment.

Behaviour is exemplary throughout the school. In classrooms, pupils display extremely positive attitudes.

They engage purposefully with all activities. No time is wasted. At social times, pupils are respectful to each other and staff.

Staff are proud to work at the school. Collectively, they strive to develop their expertise and improve all aspects of the school's provision. The school makes sure that workloads are manageable and supports the well-being of staff.

Committed and knowledgeable trustees work closely with the school. They provide effective support and challenge to school leaders to make sure that all pupils benefit from the school's work.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In the sixth form, the school's high expectations are not set out clearly enough for students. As a result, some students do not fully develop effective learning habits fully and, therefore, do not achieve as well as they might. The school should make sure that students understand the level of commitment that is required if they are to achieve their full potential.