Christ the King College has been praised for its teaching, safeguarding and pastoral care following an Ofsted inspection – but attendance has been identified as an area which ‘needs attention’.
The Newport school met the ‘expected standard’ for achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision. Safeguarding standards were also met.
Inspectors said pupils are “proud of their school”, feel safe and behave well, with bullying described as rare. Careers education was praised as “highly effective and inclusive”, while the College’s pastoral system was described as “sophisticated”.
Pupils were found to achieve broadly in line with national averages, with Ofsted highlighting effective support for those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils.
However, attendance and behaviour was rated as ‘needs attention’ because attendance remains below the national average. Overall absence stood at 10.3% in 2024/25, compared with 8.4% nationally, while persistent absence was 31.5% compared with 23.4%.
Inspectors stressed that behaviour itself is strong and acknowledged that attendance has improved, but said it is too early to see consistent results from measures introduced by the school.
Ofsted also wants teachers to more consistently check pupils’ understanding during lessons so that gaps and misconceptions can be addressed.
Headteacher Andrew Montrose has said:
“We are incredibly proud of this report because it recognises the tremendous work of our students, staff, governors, parents and wider community.
“While we acknowledge there is more work to do on attendance, inspectors recognised the progress already made and the clear strategies we have in place.”
