St Christopher’s School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

St Christopher's school continues to adapt its provision to meet the needs of its pupils.

Principles of respect, acceptance and tolerance are very strong features throughout the school, and this is evidently displayed in pupils' interactions with one another, staff and vice versa. Overall pupils are happy and enjoy school. The positive behaviour of nearly all pupils is a notable feature as are their exceptionally strong attitudes to learning, mutual respect and support for one another.

As a result of the strong and trusting working relationships between staff, families and pupils, many pupils make strong progress from their starting points during their time at school. The curriculum is broad and balanced, and pupils benefi...t from real life opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills. Where appropriate, pupils contribute to influencing what they are taught, and this includes vocational options for older pupils.

These align well to pupils' interests and next steps in learning. The leadership capacity at the school has been strengthened in recent years and the school now organises provision by phase. These phases and the classes within them are generally well suited to the needs and abilities of pupils.

Leaders at the school clearly understand that for pupils to succeed the school needs highly effective relationships with parents and other professionals. The school has taken appropriate steps to further strengthen its own well-being team. The school benefits from a governing body with an exceptional range of skills and knowledge and these are being used to very good effect in supporting leaders as they develop the school.

Leaders are capable and ambitious and have a very clear vision for the future of the school that is understood well. Recommendations R1 Improve the systematic planning for and tracking of pupils' digital skills R2 Improve the consistency in the quality of teaching, including feedback What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection. Estyn will invite the school to prepare a case study on its work in relation to the process of change management and the rationale for and impact of the school's provision and support panel, for dissemination on Estyn's website.