Ofsted
Ofsted have released their report on what their team found out during their two day visit in November, 2023. The report reads very well indeed and everyone involved should be very proud of the great school we have. I would like to thank parents particularly at this point for their support. I received many messages of encouragement and I know that almost two thirds of parents in the Ofsted Parents’ Survey said their child was ‘very happy’ at Trinity – a figure that I’ve not seen beaten by any Manchester high school in their Ofsted year.
Importantly, the report says that students “value the strong friendships they cultivate which helps them feel happy” and that students are rightfully “very proud of their diverse community”. Our sixth formers were praised as being “excellent role models for their younger peers”.
Additionally, the inspectors were full of praise for the teaching that goes on in departments, the expert staff and the pastoral care that is part of our outstanding work. They said that all students “achieve very well”, that there is a “calm and purposeful environment” and that the sixth form is “outstanding”. The inspection team also praised the leadership of the school (from governors to senior and middle leaders through to the ‘effective’ safeguarding team). They were also very impressed with the personal development of students whilst at Trinity, giving us an ‘outstanding’ grading in this area – the extra curricular provision in music, PE and performing arts certainly helped them to make that judgement.
Inspectors added that the school is “highly aspirational” that “students are prepared very well for their lives beyond school” and that our sixth formers are “very well prepared for their ambitious next steps”.
Ofsted, like our own self evaluation, gave us some areas for development. The first is that we develop a reading scheme to support those with weaker reading skills at KS4, the second was that they identified that the behaviour of a “small number” of students should be addressed. The school is responding positively to both of these areas.
As with all inspections, the resource of time was limited and I would argue insufficient to really accurately reflect all that is great about the school. One thing I would point out that I feel was completely overlooked was the exceptional attendance by our students – I know that our attendance is far higher than local and national averages and is a current national priority – so I can’t explain why this wasn’t mentioned at all.
The school is rightfully pleased with the outcome, thank you to all stakeholders – parents, students, staff, governors, the Diocese and the Local Authority who all contributed to making this a positive step in the next phase of developing this great school with many outstanding features!
Visit our School information page on Ofsted’s website here.
