Secondary school where pupils ‘thrive in every way’ given highest Ofsted rating

Inspectors visited St Bonaventure’s RC School in November and the report of their findings has now been published.

The Boleyn Road school received Ofsted’s highest ‘outstanding’ rating across all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth-form provision.

Inspectors wrote in their report: “Pupils thrive in every way here.

“They succeed academically and are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.”

Inspectors said that students took on leadership responsibilities, including sixth form head boy Phillip and head girl Alishpa (Image: St Bonaventure’s RC School)

Pupils’ behaviour was praised as “exemplary”, with students respecting and supporting one another.

Inspectors noted that sixth form students help younger pupils with reading.

The report added: “Pupils are highly respectful of one another and their teachers.

“They listen attentively and are extremely courteous towards one another.

“Classrooms are industrious places where no time is wasted.”

Inspectors were impressed by the “richly detailed plans” which teachers create for their lessons.

Teachers are “experts in their subjects” who “present information clearly and in interesting ways”.

Inspectors praised student behaviour as exemplary (Image: St Bonaventure’s RC School)

Inspectors noted that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils are identified and supported effectively.

The school was also praised for how it supports students with their next steps.

Inspectors said: “Leaders provide comprehensive careers advice and guidance, including regular visits from guest speakers and a highly active network of former pupils.

“Sixth form students receive a great deal of support, including with their applications for university and apprenticeships.”

Leaders were additionally praised for their safeguarding arrangements which are “clear and robust systems for identifying pupils who may be at risk of harm”.

The school was previously rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2009.

Headteacher Chris McCormack said: “We are incredibly proud to have maintained our outstanding rating.

“Our welcoming community is committed to maintaining an environment of love and respect for all.

“We thank our staff for their continued dedication to the care, growth and development of our students; we thank our parents, partners and governors, without whom we would be unable to deliver such a high-quality offer. 

“Above all, we are thankful to our students for their aspirational attitudes and the love they show one another and our wider community.”