The Becket School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils and students in the sixth form speak with pride about attending The Becket School. They know that their teachers have extremely high expectations.

There is a determination to make sure that pupils become the best version of themselves.

Pupils appreciate the distinctive Catholic ethos of the school. They said that they feel part of a strong, caring family that helps them to 'grow as people'.

Most pupils trust that bullying will be dealt with effectively.

The 'Becket way' promotes positive pupil behaviour. It outlines the qualities and the values expected.

The school is orderly and calm. Pupils are courteous. They are rewarded and encou...raged to 'work hard, be loving and do the right thing'.

The extra-curricular offer to pupils is extensive. There are many opportunities to play sport, debate, volunteer and to be enterprising. Lunchtime is vibrant.

Pupils create music, play games, involve themselves in the arts and generally have the chance to develop interests and talents.

Acts of charity and fundraising are customary. Leaders work hard to enrich and deepen pupils' experience of the world and their sense of compassion and responsibility.

The pupils' 'build hope' work with a school in Ghana is impressive.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The ambitious curriculum is based on research. It is underpinned by the core values of 'powerful knowledge, enrichment and spiritual development'.

Leaders have thought carefully about the knowledge that pupils need and the order that it needs to be learned. Recap opportunities ensure that pupils remember more. Pupils achieve well in their external examinations at the end of Years 11 and 13.

Although ambitious, the curriculum is not adapted well enough for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). A few of these pupils do not gain the knowledge and skills that they could.

Teachers are subject specialists and are expert.

They explain things clearly. They use assessment skilfully to check for gaps in pupils' knowledge. Pupils said that they valued the lengths that their teachers go to, in order that they learned well and achieve success.

Provision for study in the sixth form is outstanding. The curriculum is rigorous. Students value their teachers' subject knowledge and teaching skill.

They appreciate the trust they are shown as young adults. They receive wide opportunities for responsibility and independence, including work experience. They make a significant contribution to the school community and work to promote equality and diversity.

Students said that they are supported to become 'well rounded' adults. They are excellent role models.

Leaders promote the love of reading.'

Becket reads' ensures that all pupils are read to daily. They are introduced to challenging texts and books that encourage a deeper knowledge of the curriculum. The small number of pupils who are at the early stages of reading are supported to catch up.

The library is a fantastic resource. It is often full of pupils grabbing every opportunity to learn and to read. Pupils said it was 'book heaven'.

Pupils' personal development is promoted extremely well. There are carefully planned opportunities for pupils to develop good character. They learn about the qualities of being a responsible citizen.

Through a high-quality personal, social and health education curriculum, pupils also learn how to keep themselves healthy and safe, including when online. Careers advice and guidance is productive and helpful.

Collective worship encourages spiritual reflection.

Pupils gain a deep understanding of faith and global affairs. As soon as pupils arrive in Year 7 their character education begins with a focus on kindness. This includes a residential trip for all pupils so that they can get to know each other and the values of the school.

Pupils really enjoy this welcoming start to their secondary education.

Leaders make sure that staff continually learn, conduct research and hone their practice. Staff appreciate the opportunities they receive for high-quality professional development and training.

They value the chances to share their knowledge and skills with teachers from across the trust. Staff appreciate leaders' efforts to consider their workload. They are proud to work at The Becket School.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have established a culture of safeguarding and welfare. The designated safeguarding lead is extremely knowledgeable.

She is described as a 'champion' for the most vulnerable pupils. The safeguarding team act promptly to make sure that pupils who need it receive high-quality support.

Staff receive regular training and updates.

They know how to follow the safeguarding policy and how to refer any concerns that they may have.

Pupils are supported to develop positive mental health in the 'Damascus centre'. They value the 'worry button' that is available on the school website.

Pupils said that if they have a problem, they can seek advice and that everything will be done so that they get the right help.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The curriculum is ambitious, but it is not adapted well enough in some subjects to meet the learning needs of all pupils with SEND. Leaders must make sure that the curriculum is appropriately tailored across all subjects so that pupils with SEND acquire the knowledge and skills that they should.

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