A school where pupils ‘disrupt lessons’ and children are afraid of reporting bullying has been told to improve by inspectors. Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham was ranked as ‘outstanding’ when Ofsted last inspected the school in 2013.
Until November 2020, the school was exempt by law from routine inspection. But when the team visited the school on October 4 and 5, 2022, a number of shortcomings were identified.
The Ofsted report published by the five-strong team said the quality of behaviour of pupils aged 11 to 16 ‘varies’. “While the majority of pupils behave well, a persistent minority spoil the experiences of others,” it said.
READ MORE: Trio found guilty of violent armed robbery of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcus Rashford's brothers
“Some of these pupils disrupt lessons and struggle to regulate their behaviour around school. Pupils said staff do not manage behaviour consistently well.”
It said that some pupils call others ‘inappropriate names’. The report goes on: “Less frequently, pupils experience more unpleasant behaviours, such as bullying.
“Pupils felt that staff handled these incidents well if they are reported. However, some pupils are less willing to report concerns about poor behaviour, including bullying.”
It said most pupils feel that staff are ‘approachable’ but goes on to say: "Some pupils are frustrated with the quality of education that they receive.
“This affects what they want to study in the next stage of their education. Nevertheless, pupils value the range of extra-curricular activities on offer. They particularly appreciate supporting local and national charities.”
The report said that, conversely, students in the sixth form benefit from ‘an effective education across a broad range of subjects’. It goes on: “Until very recently, leaders and governors have not fully understood the weakness in the quality of education and the wider personal development experiences that pupils receive.
“Over time, leaders and governors have not evaluated some aspects of pupils’ lived experiences of school life in sufficient depth.” The report said that, for example, they only have a partial understanding of the support that staff need to improve pupils’ learning experiences and the quality of their behaviour.
It added: “While leaders and governors are starting to address some of these concerns, it is too early to see the impact of their actions.” The college’s overall effectiveness rating was ‘requires improvement’ and it was given the same score in sub-categories of the quality of education.
They included behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management. Its sixth form provision was rated as ‘good’. The school has 1,555 pupils on its roll, or which 200 are in the sixth form. Its co-headteachers are Lee Fishwick and Emma Taylor.
Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College has been contacted for comment.
READ NEXT:
Judge tells jurors in Benjamin Mendy trial he will accept majority verdicts
Paramedics go on second wave of strikes across Greater Manchester in row over pay - latest updates
"I have f****** told you": Businessman, 45, launched vile campaign against 14-year-old's mum
Women barged into ex-friend's home and battered her in 'wild' attack
Family's heartbreaking tribute to 'kind' little girl who died after collapsing at school
