Corpus Christi Catholic High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils feel lucky, and they are exceptionally proud, to be part of such a kind and welcoming school community. This community is accepting of everyone, irrespective of the differences that exist between people. 'Together in one body', the school's motto, is embodied by pupils each day as they show the greatest respect for their peers and their teachers.

Pupils value the care and compassion that staff afford them. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), know that staff have exceedingly high expectations of what they can achieve academically. Pupils rise admirably to meet these expectations.

Pupils' behaviour around school is e...xemplary. Without reservation, they greet their friends and any visitors to the school with a heartfelt smile. They politely open doors and stand aside for others.

Older pupils relish the opportunity of taking on esteemed positions of responsibility, such as becoming a prefect or a 'reading leader'.

Pupils appreciate the vast number of extra-curricular activities available, where they can hone their talents, pursue their interests and develop new skills. For instance, they enjoy art club, history club, debating club and an abundance of sports activities.

The school plays a fundamental role in preparing pupils to take their place as responsible and considerate citizens in a diverse society.

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

The school successfully fosters a highly ambitious culture, where the best interests of pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, lie at the heart of every decision. Staff are highly motivated and capitalise on an impressive programme of training and guidance.

As a result, their understanding of how best to support pupils, including those with SEND, to learn and achieve well is truly remarkable.

Meticulously designed curriculums afford pupils frequent opportunities to regularly consolidate important knowledge and concepts. Teachers design learning activities with proficiency, breaking content down into manageable steps.

They deliver new concepts with flair and aplomb, skilfully anticipating pupils' misconceptions as they arise. Added to this, teachers expertly and swiftly rectify any errors in pupils' learning. Over time, pupils acquire a rich body of subject knowledge.

They achieve exceptionally well in a range of subjects.

Pupils value their high-quality education, as demonstrated by their impressive rates of attendance and impeccable behaviour. This is especially true for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils.

During lessons, pupils frequently engage in intellectual debate. The supportive relationships that staff have fostered mean that pupils are confident to share their ideas.

The school successfully removes any barriers to learning, by ensuring that pupils who find reading difficult are helped to read with fluency.

Skilled staff provide these pupils with highly effective support. This enables pupils to read with accuracy and understanding, while helping to foster an appreciation of literature.

Pupils make excellent use of an extraordinary programme of activities designed to support their personal development.

Through an exceptionally well-delivered citizenship, personal, social, health and economic education curriculum, pupils learn, for example, how to look after their emotional health and well-being and how to avoid becoming victims of identity theft. Well considered and carefully designed 'extended learning days' help pupils to learn about a range of different cultures and religions. For example, older pupils speak with assurance about the similarities and differences between Judaism and Catholicism.

Pupils with SEND benefit from the plethora of extra-curricular activities that the school provides. The school has well established and highly effective systems to ensure that the additional needs of pupils with SEND are identified swiftly. When necessary, staff expertly adapt their delivery of the curriculum to meet the needs of these pupils.

Pupils with SEND flourish.

Through the school's strong links with employers and colleges, pupils learn about courses best suited to their hopes and aspirations. Both younger and older pupils, including those with SEND, are exceptionally well informed about the options available to them when they leave the school.

For example, pupils in Year 8 speak knowledgeably about the alternatives to academic qualifications, such as apprenticeships and T-levels.

Governors bring an abundance of relevant expertise to their roles. They use their knowledge, alongside their understanding of the school's context, to provide a fitting balance of support and challenge.

Staff are dedicated to the school. They are highly appreciative of the steps that leaders take to consult with them prior to making decisions about policy and practice.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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