ST. AIDAN’S: “OUTSTANDING CATHOLIC SCHOOL”

RE Inspection December 2007 - School's Response

TOP MARKS FOR ST. AIDAN’S

St. Aidan’s Catholic School and Language College is an “outstanding” Catholic school.

That is the verdict of a team of inspectors who visited the school at the end of last year to inspect both the Catholic life of the school and religious education.

“Outstanding” is the highest grade inspectors can give a school.  Of the 45 individual gradings , 36 were “outstanding” and 8 “good”.  The only criticism was that more time should be given in years 8 and 9 to RE teaching.

The inspectors’ summary of findings stated:

  • The overall effectiveness of the provision of Catholic education is outstanding
  • Leadership and management of the Catholic life of the school are outstanding
  • The provision for Collective Worship is outstanding overall
  • The school’s contribution towards community cohesion is outstanding
  • Achievements and standards in religious education are outstanding
  • Teaching and learning in religious education is outstanding
  • The religious education curriculum in meeting learners’ needs and interests is good
  • Leadership and management of religious education are outstanding

Commenting on the overall effectiveness of the school the inspectors said:
“St. Aidan’s is an outstanding Catholic school, proud of its traditions yet mindful of its mission to shape the citizens of tomorrow.  Senior leaders, well supported by their colleagues, provide strong and clear direction which is underpinned by a vision for St. Aidan’s as a community rooted in Gospel principles.  The values of the school’s mission statement clearly inform all aspects of school life and work.  Collective Worship is excellent overall and arrangements for staff worship are a particular strength.  Provision for students to contribute to community cohesion and to understand its importance is outstanding.  Curriculum provision and leadership of the Religious Education department are also outstanding.  The department is regarded as a lead department by students, parents and staff and the Religious Education staff give authentic witness to the gospel message in their work”

Headteacher Tony McCourt said he was delighted with the report which he believed fully recognised the high quality of work at the school.  “I am particularly pleased that the inspectors recognised the school’s contribution towards Community Cohesion to be outstanding.  We have a small but growing proportion of students from other world faiths and other ethnic origins who are fully welcomed into the school community”.

* St. Aidan’s was criticised last month by Ofsted inspectors for not having a central register of all staff.

Headteacher Tony McCourt is able to confirm that the register is now in place.