English Martyrs' Catholic Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to this school. They thrive in a caring and inclusive community. Pupils feel safe, happy and cared for. They say there is an adult they can talk to if they have any worries. They trust staff to listen and act quickly. This helps pupils feel secure and confident during the school day. Behaviour is exemplary. Lessons are calm and settled. Pupils are polite to each other and to adults. They understand the school's rules and follow them. Everyone lives out the school's 'virtues'. Bullying is rare. Pupils appreciate how staff deal with any friendship issues quickly and fairly. Attendance is high because pupils want to be at school. Pupils demonstrate mature attitudes to their learning. Learning is interesting and fun. Teachers help pupils remember what they have learned by revisiting key ideas. Reading is valued and shared across the school. Older pupils enjoy writing at length in subjects such as science, history and religious education. Pupils take pride in the work they produce and are keen to do their best. As a result, they achieve well. They make good progress from their starting points. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported, as are disadvantaged pupils and those who join the school partway through the year. These pupils can take part and succeed alongside their peers. This is because staff adapt learning and provide extra help. There is a strong sense of belonging. The school is welcoming and respectful. Pupils enjoy a wide range of activities. This includes opportunities to represent their school competitively, learn a musical instrument and take on a leadership role. These help pupils build confidence. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen independent writing opportunities across the early years curriculum so that expectations are consistently ambitious and children build secure writing foundations for Year 1. • Leaders should ensure that newly introduced approaches to handwriting and transcription are consistently embedded, with subject leaders rigorously monitoring teaching and pupils’ progress to secure even stronger early foundations. • Leaders should strengthen the matching of activities and adaptations so that pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are consistently challenged and supported to access learning independently.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)