Bishop Ullathorne school in Coventry praised for wanting pupils to be 'the best they can be'

A secondary school in Coventry has been described as a 'welcoming, caring school community' where the values of the 'Ullahorne way' are part of all aspects of school life and has received praise from Ofsted. Pupils are said to 'value the school ethos' at Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School on Leasowe's Avenue in Finham.

Inspectors visited the school on Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28. The school received an overall 'Good' rating across the five categories.

Inspectors say that the school has high expectations and aspirations for pupils' behaviour and learning, and they want them to be the 'best person they can be'. They understand the importance of respect for others and the impact their choices have on everyone in the school.

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Pupils are said to behave well in lessons and almost all apply themselves to their learning. At break and lunchtime, pupils enjoy one another's company, and there are warm relationships between staff and pupils. Sixth-form students also enjoy taking on roles to support the school community, including reading with younger pupils and delivering diversity workshops.

Pupils also see the value in completing the 'super-curricular' activities provided, and value the wellness checks on 'Wellbeing Wednesdays'. There are also many clubs including choir, debating, Warhammer, and various sports and many participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The curriculum is also enhanced by visits such as trips to a fashion exhibition in London and World War 1 trenches in Belgium.

Inspectors noticed the school has an 'ambitious and inclusive curriculum' which has been designed to ensure that pupil's knowledge builds over time. Key Stage 3 pupils enjoy a 'rich learning experience' across the arts and design technology carousel whereas sixth formers benefit from a wide range of A-level subjects.

Lessons at Bishop Ullathorne are characterised by teachers who know their subjects well and pupils who are eager to learn. Teachers give clear explanations and model thinking processes well, and pupils appreciate the helpful feedback they receive and know how to improve their work in their 'DIRT' sessions.

Teachers also ensure that the learning tasks they set enable pupils to apply their learning independently, where pupils take pride in the work they produce. They help pupils practice the skills they need to demonstrate in their assessments at the end of key stages 4 and 5.

The school carefully identifies the needs of those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The 'student support plans' help staff to understand how they can adapt lessons to meet these pupils' needs, and because they do this well, pupils with SEND achieve good outcomes.

Inspectors added that the importance of reading is understood by staff and pupils alike. The school uses a range of information to identify any pupils who are not yet confident, fluent readers. These pupils then benefit from targeted interventions to help them make rapid progress. The school is currently working on how weaker readers can be fully supported across the curriculum.

The school's pastoral work is described as 'excellent' where the pastoral staff know the pupils very well. Pupils also learn well about their roles and responsibilities in modern Britain and how to keep themselves safe through the personal, social, health, citizenship, and economic curriculum.

Pupils receive useful guidance around careers and are well-prepared for their next steps in life and education. Trustees and governors are diligent in ensuring the school is meeting its responsibilities, and staff are appreciative of how leaders take their workload and wellbeing into account, they know the values of the 'Ullathorne way' apply to staff and pupils alike.

To view the full Ofsted report and previous inspections at Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School, visit the Ofsted website.

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