Notre Dame RC School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have created an inclusive school in which most pupils are well supported with both their academic and their personal challenges. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils, who are encouraged to do their best. Attainment is above average in most subjects.

Leaders at all levels understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school. Teaching and learning are monitored carefully. However, leaders do not evaluate precisely the impact of teaching on pupils' progress.

Teaching in most subjects is engaging and effective. Teachers' planning takes into account most pupils' needs. Even so, the expectations of some teaching ...are not high enough.

This is reflected in the standard of some pupils' work. The progress of the most able pupils is improving but teaching does not challenge consistently some of the most able pupils to achieve well. Pupils' writing and their spoken language skills are developed well.

However, leaders have not yet developed a similarly coordinated approach to the teaching of reading and numeracy. Staff and pupils are proud of their school. Pupils are highly considerate of others.

Their behaviour in lessons and around school is good. Pupils attend school well. The number of pupils who are persistently absent from school has steadily reduced because leaders have raised expectations and tightened monitoring systems.

The school's ethos and values enhance school life. Pupils value the opportunities they have within the curriculum to think about their place in the world. Pupils have access to appropriate careers advice and guidance in key stage 4.

However, leaders have not extended careers advice to the youngest pupils. Sixth-form students have access to work-related learning and work experience, but this is not yet a prominent feature of the school's programme of study. The progress of pupils on A-level courses is average.

Pastoral support in the sixth form is strong. The vast majority of students go on to employment or further study. Many students take up apprenticeships.

Information about this school

Notre Dame RC School is an 11 to 18 Roman Catholic school for girls with a mixed sixth form. It is a smaller than average sized secondary school. The sixth form is part of a consortium of five local providers of 16 to 19 programmes of study.

The school is part of Plymouth CAST multi-academy trust. The trust was formed in April 2014. The school joined the trust and became an academy on 1 April 2014.

The work of the trust is overseen by a board of directors. Plymouth CAST is responsible for 35 schools, including two secondary schools, in the south west region. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium funding is above the national average.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities with an education, health and care plan is below the national average. The school uses ACE multi-academy trust for alternative provision. The school was last inspected under Section 48 on 5 September 2018.