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It gives me great pleasure, as acting Headteacher, to warmly welcome you to our website.

Fitzalan is an extraordinary school; one that, at the very heart, lies a proud community and a determined and aspirational workforce. Our recent Estyn inspection report details our outstanding efforts to seek and provide opportunities far beyond the classroom for our pupils. It states, "The school’s work is characterised by high expectations, strong leadership, reflective self-evaluation, and close links with its local community," which highlights the unending commitment to set forth a path for our young people and equip them with the skills to prosper within and beyond our walls.

For all those involved, Fitzalan represents much more than a building, however, our recent (2023) move to an impressive and immersive £65m school facility underpins the experience of education here. Vibrant, diverse, motivated and forward-thinking, the school is 21st Century-ready.  We seek to offer our pupils the very best, utilising that which we are fortunate enough to have – only the best for Fitzalan pupils; only the best from Fitzalan pupils.

We, as a school, are so proud of the achievements of our pupils. Some of our alumni have studied at Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard universities to name a few, some have gone on to become apprentices and forged their way in highly competitive industries, some have become entrepreneurs, some have returned to Fitzalan to teach or support in many different capacities. Fitzalan supports everyone in learning together to be the best that they can be.

For whatever reason you have visited our website, whether you are a prospective pupil or family member, looking to work with us, or simply happenstance, know that you are welcomed into our wonderful community.

I leave you with some highlights and case studies from our November 2024 Estyn inspection report.

Adam Lear

 

Estyn November 2024

Fitzalan High School provides its pupils with a highly caring, nurturing and inclusive environment. It is particularly effective in establishing a culture that celebrates its notably diverse community. This helps to foster positive attitudes towards diversity, equity and the understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.

 

Teaching and Learning

Purposeful and productive relationships between pupils and staff are a prominent feature of the school. Teachers have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and create a calm, purposeful learning environment that enables all pupils to maximise their potential.

The way in which the school adapts its curriculum to meet the individual needs of its pupils is a significant strength. Leaders review and evaluate all aspects of the curriculum thoroughly, using a wide range of evidence and make thoughtful and timely amendments to their provision. This has a notably positive impact on pupils’ engagement, well-being and achievement.

Estyn Spotlight- Creating a reading culture

Estyn Best Practice Case Study- Provision to develop pupils’ understanding of histories, stories and contributions of black, Asian and minority ethnic people

 

Well-being, Care, Support and Guidance

There is a strong culture of mutual respect and understanding reflecting the school’s ethos of being ‘Ready to Learn, Respectful and Safe’. This is underpinned by a determination to identify and remove any barriers preventing pupils from developing as effective learners. This determination permeates the care support and guidance pupils receive.

The school supports pupils’ understanding of diversity and inclusion and how to challenge negative stereotypes and attitudes, highly effectively. A valuable programme for pastoral lessons and form time supports pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Pupils benefit from an extensive range of provision to support their personal development. This includes a comprehensive personal and social education programme, extensive extra-curricular activities and a wide range of opportunities to take on leadership roles. Pupil leadership is a notable strength of the school.

Estyn Spotlight- Tailored provision for vulnerable pupils

 

Leading and Improving

The acting headteacher offers assured and compassionate leadership which takes good account of the well-being of the whole school community. He has a clear and well-understood vision that underpins the school's ambition of ‘learning together to be the best we can be’. He works determinedly with his team to remove barriers to pupils’ learning and secure an inclusive community in which all pupils have the opportunity to excel.

Senior leaders have created a culture of high accountability that contributes significantly to the school’s effectiveness.

Leaders take a considered and comprehensive approach to addressing national priorities, such as implementing Curriculum for Wales, the ALNET Act, alleviating the impact of poverty, and promoting the Welsh language.

Estyn Best Practice Case Study: Leadership- securing accountability

Estyn Best Practice Case Study: Professional learning to develop middle leadership