Notre Dame Catholic Girls’ School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Students make exceptional progress regardless of their academic ability or background when they join the school. Teaching is outstanding.

Lessons are planned to deepen knowledge and apply skills over a period of time. Students learn to develop their reading, writing and mathematical skills very well. Just occasionally, feedback in lessons and in marked books does not tell students exactly how to improve even further.

Students' attitudes to learning and behaviour are exemplary. They thrive as part of a small supportive community and develop very strong spiritual, social, moral and cultural values. Students take part in an outstandi...ng range of activities after school, at weekends and during holidays.

These increase students' confidence, raise their self-esteem and prepare them extremely well for the future. The headteacher brings inspiration and a powerful sense of direction to leaders, managers, staff and students. They are expected to excel in everything they do.

Senior staff and members of the governing body are relentless in checking the quality of teaching and the progress students make. The quality of additional support is also checked carefully to make sure that it improves students' learning.

Information about this school

Notre Dame is a smaller than average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for children in the care of the local authority and for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, is well above that found nationally, as is the proportion of students who speak English as an additional language. Around 90% of students are from a range of minority ethnic groups. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported through school action is average.

The proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. A small number of students in Years 10 and Year 11 attend work-related courses at Southwark College. The school's recent GCSE results met the government's floor standard, which is the minimum level expected for students' attainment and progress.