‘TIRELESS determination’ is starting to stamp out bad behaviour and poor results at one of Oxford’s worst-rated schools, a new report has revealed.

St Gregory the Great Catholic School has once again come under the microscope of Ofsted inspectors, two years after being branded ‘inadequate’ by the regulator and forced into special measures.

The all-through academy in East Oxford has had its fourth check-up visit since a damning report in March 2017, and inspectors were pleased despite residual concerns about some ‘uninspiring’ teaching.

The new report, which was sent to parents of the school’s 1,200 pupils on Tuesday, said: “Senior leaders continue to work with tireless determination to improve the school.

“The reputation of the school locally is improving and parents are becoming more confident in the school and its leadership.

“There is no doubt that senior and middle leaders are energetically driving improvement and are introducing better practice.”

The inspection took place on March 6 and 7 and came after the previous monitoring visit in September, after which the school was described as a 'different place.'

Last week Sean Tucker, who was acting head of school, was appointed the official head of secondary at St Greg's and said he was 'delighted' with the report.

  • Why was St Greg's rated inadequate in the first place? Take a look

He said: "There are now specific areas for focus as we continue to move forward on our journey together.

"I believe St Gregory’s has many great strengths and the relationship between parents, staff and students is crucial to the success of our school.

"We have a committed body of staff and wonderful students and it is through working together in a faithful partnership that we will drive the school forwards."

Oxford Mail:

Sean Tucker (middle right)

The report does not award a new rating for the school in Cricket Road, which is run by the Dominic Barberi Multi Academy Company, but concludes that 'effective action' is being taken to improve.

Inspectors did note that there ‘are remaining weaknesses that have the potential to slow progress down’, however.

Their report said there are 'uncertainty and some tensions' among senior leaders due to communication that is sometimes 'not direct enough.'

It also said teaching in the secondary phase ‘is not catching up as quickly as it needs to’ and some lessons were described by a pupil as ‘boring and repetitive.’

The report added: "There occasions when pupils...complete uninspiring work that is too low a level to enable them to progress."

Inspectors said some learners still lack confidence and that ‘pupils clearly really appreciate it when teachers obviously care as much about their learning as they do about their welfare.’

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The report said the school’s primary phase was successful and the sixth form was ‘back on track’ after a ‘difficult year.’

Ofsted said the latest GCSE and A-Level results at St Greg's were ‘disappointing,’ and staff admitted A-Level performance 'stemmed from too many cancelled lessons because of staff absence.'

The inspector wrote: "Leaders are rightly determined that current pupils should not suffer the same disappointing outcomes."

While teaching was outlined as a key area for focus, Ofsted was positive about progress in attendance, governing and behaviour.

The inspector observed how pupils were 'more settled' and reported that bullying no longer happens.

Her report stated: "Pupils know that most staff care deeply for their welfare.

"The atmosphere around the site is generally happy and purposeful.

"Some gentle reminders about boisterous conduct are sometimes necessary but at a good-humoured level."

She said good behaviour 'is not yet habitual' mainly due to 'variation in quality teaching.'

What even is special measures?

  • When a school is rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted, the lowest of four standards, it will be placed in one of two categories: 'serious weaknesses' or 'requiring special measures' - the latter being the more serious of the two
  • If an academy is judged inadequate and placed in a category of concern, Ofsted will carry out regular monitoring inspections to check on progress
  • Monitoring inspections do not award ratings but serve to answer this main question: Are leaders and managers taking effective action towards the removal of special measures?
  • When 'monitoring' academies, Ofsted will usually recommend a full inspection (rather than a monitoring inspection) when significant progress has been made. This is the school's chance to get a new rating and rid itself of special measures