St George Catholic College gets first 'outstanding' Ofsted

Teachers and students at the “truly inclusive and welcoming” St George Catholic College in Swaythling are over the moon with the outcome of their latest inspection.

It's the first time the school has been given the highest rating since it opened in 1958.

The secondary comprehensive school in Leaside Way was rated outstanding in four categories - quality of education, behaviour, personal development, and leadership and management.

The Osted report praised the culture set by leaders and said staff and pupils are "highly proud" of being part of the school.

It said: “Leaders have established a highly aspirational culture in which pupils want to work hard and achieve well.

“Pupils are supported to do their best by teachers with whom they share warm and respectful relationships. Expectations for behaviour are extremely high, and pupils live up to these.

“Behaviour is exemplary in classrooms and during social times. Staff and pupils are rightly proud to be a part of this school.”

The report also said leaders implement a “highly ambitious and broad curriculum” which supports all pupils to learn beyond the aim of the national curriculum.

Headteacher James Habberley with students at Saint George Catholic College (Image: Newsquest)

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Subject leaders were seen to use their expertise to set out the specific knowledge that pupils must know and remember while teachers have a strong subject knowledge which they use "skillfully" to question pupils to check for gaps in learning.

The report said: “Teachers are experts in supporting all pupils to make progress through the curriculum, and pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve very high outcomes as a result."

Pupils at the school “value their learning”, ask “interesting questions” and are keen to take part in classroom discussions.

“Pupils are happy and look forward to being in school each day.”

Headteacher James Habberley said the school is “delighted” that inspectors captured what the school is all about.

He said: "It does not happen overnight; this would not have been possible without inspirational, committed staff who continue to work tirelessly for each student and each other over many years.

"We can be so proud that our students are gaining an education that goes way beyond the national curriculum and are keen to access every opportunity available to them.

"Saint George has been on a journey, this judgment is a first in its history, and they can all take immense pride in this."