We really believe that it is essential for all students to receive as broad and balanced an education as possible. Whilst the National Curriculum sits at the heart of what we teach, we modify and adapt our approach – eg. in terms of content, pace and levels of support – to fit the specific needs of our students. Meaning that each student has an individual tailored programme that allows their individual needs to be met.

St Catherine’s has a policy of a high staff-to-student ratio, specifically to address the communication challenges and language-impairment that are frequent obstacles for our students. Our class sizes are also small, with up to just ten per study group. This means that children and young people are given the structure and support necessary for them to learn effectively, within a caring and friendly environment. 

Each class has a teacher and a teaching assistant; together they work collaboratively with speech and language therapists and occupational therapists to plan programmes and agree targets for each student. Specialist support is given both in the classroom context, as well as one to one. 

“The school’s curriculum and assessment systems have been carefully considered to celebrate each step forward that pupils make and identify any significant barriers. This approach is particularly well developed in relation to pupils’ speech and communication, where the school excels.”

^{Ofsted 2024}