WAS it so surprising to read that Holy Cross College has been downgraded to “needs improvement”?

Undoubtedly there are many positives to the Ofsted report and all credit to the students who do go on to higher education.

However, potential sixth formers should look beyond “impressive results” and “exceptional and effective pastoral care” (does this really exist?) before they commit themselves to two years at the college.

They would be well advised to seek more information on which key subjects pupils are not making the progress they are capable of — how many students leave or are asked to leave Holy Cross in the first and second years and, more importantly, how many leave just before exams.

Well done Ofsted for highlighting just a few of the issues that many ex students and their families have known about for some time.

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