St Mary’s Catholic School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The school's motto: 'achieving excellence for all' has become a reality at this outstanding school. Endeavour, trust and kindness prevail.

Leadership at all levels ensures an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Students, staff and parents are proud to be associated with this school. Students' behaviour is exemplary.

They are courteous, polite and respectful to each other and staff at all times. Students thoroughly enjoy school, are happy and feel very safe. Students support each other's learning without question Achievement is outstanding in all key stages.

All groups of students, including disabled students and those who ...have special educational needs, make excellent progress. Academic standards are high and have been so over a number of years. The overall quality of teaching is outstanding.

Teachers' expert subject knowledge inspires students to be highly motivated, enthusiastic learners. Lessons are planned and prepared in detail. Occasionally, activities are not accurately enough matched to what students already know and can do, or do not promote independent learning skills as well as possible.

School leaders regularly analyse and review school performance. Improvements to the quality of teaching and the subjects on offer are systematically planned and implemented. The aspirational leadership of teaching and learning has resulted in increasing numbers of outstanding lessons across the school.

The variety of subjects on offer ensures that students' ambitions, needs and interests are well met. Numerous trips and visits connected to different subject areas take place throughout the school year. These are popular with the students and further extend their learning.

The governing body successfully shares responsibility for planning and driving improvements. The sixth form is outstanding. Achievement is rising due to skilful teaching and highly personalised support for students.

Information about this school

Saint Mary's Catholic School is similar in size to the average secondary school. The majority of students who attend the school are Catholic and some travel considerable distances to attend. The proportion of students who are known to be eligible for free school meals and for whom the school receives additional income (the pupil premium) is well below average.

The proportion of students supported through school action, school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well below average. Most students are White British. Other students come from a range of heritages.

The proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is lower than average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. The school holds a number of awards and quality marks, including the Eco Council Award, the National Association for Able Children in Education Challenge Award and the Customer Service Excellence Award.