St Augustine’s Catholic College in Trowbridge has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in its recent Ofsted inspection. This marks a significant improvement from its previous ‘Requires Improvement’ status, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the entire school community.
The Ofsted Report highlights substantial progress across all areas, rating the College as ‘Good’ in every category. The inspection, conducted by a team of four inspectors, was thorough and comprehensive, with the report now available online through the College website www.st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk
Headteacher Aidan Dowle expressed immense pride in the collective efforts of students, staff, parents and friends of the College. “Receiving such substantial praise for our collective efforts to get the College back on track and moving forward was humbling,” he said. “This marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for St Augustine’s. We are committed to continuous improvement and collaboration for the benefit of our students.”
Key highlights from the report include:
- Quality of Education: The College has made significant strides in enhancing the quality, depth and breadth of its curriculum. Inspectors noted that students are both challenged and supported, describing the curriculum as ‘ambitious’.
- Quality of Teaching: Teaching at the College is consistently strong, supported by an incremental coaching programme that involves every teacher.
- Assessment: A focus on assessment has encouraged students to take greater ownership of their learning. Disadvantaged students are making equally good progress and receiving strong support.
- Student Confidence: Students are more confident in their learning, with clear and effectively delivered subject knowledge across all subjects.
- Literacy: The College’s approach to literacy is robust and inspiring. The ‘Words, Wisdom and Worship’ programme enhances students’ love and confidence in literacy, reflecting on key issues through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.
- Behaviour: Behaviour across the College is consistently good, with students showing respect and building strong relationships with staff, embodying the school’s shared Lasallian values.
- Personal Development: The College excels in providing opportunities for personal development and preparation for lifelong learning through its curriculum work and progress journals.
- SEND and Safeguarding: These areas are key strengths of the College with the report noting that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are able to learn the curriculum as well as their peers.
- Leadership: Leadership at all levels is consistent in maintaining a shared vision, which is actively lived out across the College.
- Sixth Form: The Sixth Form also received a ‘Good’ rating in every category, with inspectors impressed by students’ involvement in the main school and their contributions to the College community.
The inspection affirmed the College’s sustainable improvement drive and highlighted positive survey results from staff, students and parents. While there are areas for further development, the College is already addressing them with the goal of achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the future.
For more information, contact: St Augustine’s Catholic College, Wingfield Road, Trowbridge, tel: 01225 350001, email: email hidden; JavaScript is required