Double inspection success for Cardinal Langley

Cardinal Langley Headteacher, Andrew Bridson

Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School has had a double inspection success after being rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and ‘Outstanding’ by the Diocese of Salford.

Following inspections in March and May, the high quality of education provided was praised by inspectors, as both grades are improvements on previous inspections.

Headteacher, Andrew Bridson, said: “We are proud that the high standard of education we provide at Cardinal Langley has been recognised in the two inspection reports. We are very fortunate that our students are enthusiastic about their learning and the staff are committed to providing them with the best possible learning opportunities. The whole school community has been encouraged further by the contents of the reports and we are determined to continue to provide the best opportunities we can for the young people we serve.”

Ofsted graded the school as ‘Good’ across all areas: effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils and 16 to 19 study programmes.

The report stated that 'the school is a harmonious community where pupils show good respect for one another and for staff'. Cardinal Langley was applauded for rapid improvement in pupils’ progress in English and mathematics and ‘pupils achieve well in most subjects across the curriculum’.

Leadership of the school was strong and had developed a capacity for continued improvement. Following from this, leadership in the sixth form was also commended.

The inspection team were also impressed with the work the school does for those who are disadvantaged to ensure that they achieve well academically, adding the differences between these pupils and their peers are ‘diminishing rapidly’.

Overall, pupils were praised for their positive attitudes towards learning and increased attendance.

However, it was noted some teaching in Years 7 and 8 ‘did not challenge the most able pupils sufficiently’.

The Religious Education and Catholic ethos aspect of the school was graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, an improvement on 2012’s previous inspection, which judged the school as ‘Good with Outstanding features’.

The inspection team commented ‘the school should be proud of the work they do to support their young people’ and 'throughout the school there is a real sense of pride in the fact that Cardinal Langley is a safe, happy and purposeful school for pupils and staff'.

The family atmosphere within the school was evident throughout the report which states that ‘pupils are exceptionally well cared for, especially those that are most vulnerable’.

Over 98% of students go on to further education or training after Year 11 and an increasing number of students attend top universities after Sixth Form.

Mr Bridson added: “I am proud of the rapid progress that we have made and that the way we work we are doing is making a difference for the young people we serve.”