St Joseph's Catholic College

St. Joseph's Catholic College (formerly St Joseph's Comprehensive School) is a secondary school in Swindon. It is a Roman Catholic school but is open to other religions. It is a mixed sex school of approximately 1,256 pupils.

As the only Catholic Secondary school in Swindon it is culturally diverse, taking pupils from all over Swindon and the surrounding villages. There are five Catholic feeder schools in Swindon; Holy Family, Holy Rood, Holy Cross, St Catherine's and St Mary's. The College offers Years 12-13 as well as schooling for years 7 to 11.

On 21 March 2011, St. Joseph's commenced the application process for converting to Academy status^[1] and were awarded this status in August 2011.^[2]

On the 13th July 2017 St. Joseph's and Holy Cross Catholic Primary school, announced plans to combine, and form a Multi-Academy Trust. The application is currently submitted to the department of Education.

Results

In 2016 the college achieved 67% of students with five or more A* to C GCSE grades, including 86% A*-C in English and 77% A*-C in Maths. At least 47% of students achieved at least one top grade. At A-level, 58% of students achieve 3 or more qualifications with a 94% pass rate.

In 2015 the college achieved 56% of students with five or more A* to C GCSE grades, including 69% A*-C in English and 80% A*-C in Maths. At least 43% of students achieved at least one top grade. At A-level, 58% of students achieve 3 or more qualifications with a 94% pass rate.

In 2014 the college achieved 67% of students with five or more A* to C GCSE grades, including 89% A*-C in English and 79% A*-C in Maths. At least 24% of students achieved at least one top grade. At A-level, 75% of students achieve 3 or more qualifications with a 98% pass rate.^[3]

In 2013 the College achieved 82% of students with five or more A* to C GCSE grades, with 67% achieving 5 or more A* - C GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths GCSEs. At A-Level, 70% of students achieved 3 or more A Levels, 96% 2 or more, and 99% 1 or more.

Uniform

The school's uniform changed from September 2014 with a phased introduction being compulsory for year 7 and in years 8-11 the new uniform pieces being introduced when replacements are required.The new uniform includes a blazer with red piping and the college badge, a white shirt, tie with school crest and a grey ‘v’ neck with College logo.

Pupils

As the only Catholic Secondary school in Swindon it is culturally diverse,^[4] taking pupils from all over Swindon and the surrounding villages. There are five Catholic feeder schools in Swindon; Holy Family, Holy Rood, Holy Cross, St Catherine's and St Mary's. The College offers Years 12-13 as well as schooling for years 7 to 11. As announced in March 2017, the school will cease to provide Post-16 education effective September 2017, the Year 12 class of September 2016 remaining as the final year of post-16 education, due to leave the school in the Summer of 2018. No additional students will be taken on for year 12 in September 2017.

College Day

The College operates a two-week (Week A & B) timetable.^[5] The day starts with Registration at 08:25, and concludes at 15:00 for students.

Ofsted

The College was rated as good in all areas by Ofsted in its report published in 2014.^[6]

Governance

The Principal Maureen Harries retired at Easter 2013^[7] and the governors announced the appointment of a new Principal, Paul Hughes, in June 2013.^[8] He took up his post in September 2013 and is the current principal. Canon John Cunningham is the Chair of Governors.^[9]

Notable alumni

• Andrew Pierce, journalist, broadcaster and Consultant Editor of the Daily Mail

References

External links

• School website