School Profile

Sacred Heart Catholic High School, Newcastle.

Headteacher: Patricia Wager.

Chairman of governors: Irene Awcock.

Main findings of the latest Ofsted report:

This is a very good school. Sacred Heart’s ethos and values effectively promote the pursuit of academic excellence while at the same time ensuring high standards of care, support and spiritual guidance. The quality of teaching is a particular strength. Teachers had high expectations of their pupils and supported individuals well to enable them to make good progress. The behaviour of pupils and their positive attitude to study are excellent.

Describe the school’s ethos and values?

Our ethos is based on Gospel values, valuing the individual and fostering a sense of belonging.

What are the school’s main strengths?

Promoting the pursuit of academic excellence while at the same time ensuring high standards of care, support and spiritual guidance; the high quality of our teaching; excellent behaviour of pupils and positive attitude to study. We are a technology college and a centre of excellence for music.

What areas is the school trying to improve?

We are bringing the whole school on to one site and looking at creative curriculum development.

What extra-curricular activities and out-of-school provision does the school have?

Sports, drama, field trips, ski trips, visits to First World War trenches, New York and Paris. We have ICT clubs and homework clubs, music of all kinds, science and technology days.

Most recent SATs/GCSE/A-level results:

In our last Key Stage Three results, 86% achieved the target level in English, 78% in maths and 73% in science. At GCSE, 60% of students got at least five passes at A*-C and 98% achieved at least one pass. At A-level, our pass rate was 97%.

How does the school get involved in the community?

We have partnerships linked to our technology college status, music events, joint drama productions with St Cuthbert’s High School and work with the Ashlyns mother and baby unit.

What are the school’s proudest achievements?

Educating our girls to the highest standards so that each and every one can fulfil their full potential. We had an excellent Ofsted report in 2004 and hope for even greater things when we get the whole school on one site.