St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Determined and resolute leadership from senior leaders has driven widespread improvements since the last inspection. Standards are high; in 2015, the school achieved its best ever GCSE results.

Gaps in the achievement of disadvantaged pupils compared with others narrowed significantly. The sixth form is outstanding. Most learners make exceptional progress.

A level results are consistently very high. The majority of teachers use their detailed subject knowledge to plan learning that stimulates and engages pupils. They foster good relations with pupils and encourage them to work hard.

The vast majority of pupils attend regularly, b...ehave well and contribute fully to making school a safe, harmonious and enjoyable place to be. Experienced and effective governance ensures that pupils are kept safe and school leaders are held accountable for securing improvements. Pupils' personal development and welfare is outstanding.

Pupils are confident, assured and conduct themselves well amongst peers and adults. The school's Catholic ethos makes an excellent contribution to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. The curriculum prepares pupils well for further education or training and helps them to develop a broad understanding of the different values, cultures and beliefs of people in Britain and beyond.

Pupils who are disabled or have special educational needs receive the care and support they need to make sufficient progress. Parents and carers value the education provided for their children. They praise the transition arrangements, high standards achieved and the caring, community ethos promoted by staff.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : The very best teaching has not been shared fully to make teaching consistently good. Not all teachers manage behaviour consistently, plan learning matched to pupils' needs and abilities, or have high expectations of them. Development plans do not include enough detail to enable school leaders to routinely monitor whether their actions are securing further improvements at a suitable rate.

Information about this school

The school is larger than average. Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils who are disabled or have special educational needs, including those with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan, is above the national average. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is lower than the national average. The school makes arrangements to educate a very small proportion of pupils off-site at the Heybridge Alternative Provision School, or at the CTP Training Centre, Harlow.