Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School, Hyndburn

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 November 2025

Pupils are welcomed as valued members of the Mount Carmel family from the moment they join this school. Consequently, they quickly develop a strong sense of belonging that is underpinned by highly positive relationships with staff and with each other. Staff know pupils well, including those who are disadvantaged or who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. As a result, staff quickly spot any pupils who might need reassurance or support. Pupils' individuality is celebrated. This helps them to feel safe and to have the confidence to be themselves. Bullying is rare and, when it does occur, pupils rightly trust staff to resolve it quickly. Leaders have high aspirations for pupils' achievement, born out of their understanding that positive educational experiences can help to overcome social disadvantage. This ambition is evident in the very high proportion of pupils who take the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects. Pupils benefit from carefully designed subject curriculums that are typically taught well. Staff take a vigilant approach to identifying and reducing any barriers to learning that pupils may have. In the main, pupils achieve well. Many make remarkable progress from their starting points, particularly those pupils who are disadvantaged. This is reflected in national examination outcomes. Photos of pupils joyfully participating in enrichment activities adorn the school corridors, celebrating the multitude of enrichment opportunities that leaders provide. Pupils are keen to nurture new talents or interests, from American football to performing in the school's annual production. They also embrace leadership roles that enable them to serve the school community. For example, prefects act as positive role models during social times. Most pupils benefit fully from all that the school has to offer because they enjoy learning, behave well and attend school regularly.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen their work to secure regular school attendance from those pupils who persistently miss out on their education.
• Leaders should ensure that assessment strategies are closely aligned with the knowledge in the curriculum across all subjects, so that teachers consistently make astute decisions about what to teach and when to teach it.

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