Our Lady's Catholic Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Pupils are passionate about attending this welcoming school. They are greeted warmly by staff. Pupils arrive at school ready and eager to learn. They have positive attitudes to learning and are keen to talk about their work. From the outset, leaders prioritise reading, writing and mathematics. Well-planned activities and effective teaching support children to learn early sounds, letters and numbers successfully. Inclusion is at the heart of everything that leaders do. This ensures that pupils who are disadvantaged, known to social care and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported and fully included in every aspect of school life. As a result, all pupils are prepared for the next stage in their education. Staff have highly positive relationships with pupils and know them well. They adapt teaching to reduce barriers for vulnerable pupils, including those who need extra help or speak another language. Consequently, pupils succeed and fully participate in lessons. Pupils behave well and follow routines across all aspects of the school day. They model tolerance and respect and celebrate diversity. Pupils trust staff to deal quickly with any worries or concerns they may have. When pupils struggle, staff use a range of strategies to help them manage their emotions and behaviours. The school is calm and orderly. Pupils attend better than other pupils nationally, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND. Leaders work closely with families to ensure regular attendance, and they provide timely support where needed. Pupils enjoy the range of trips, clubs and experiences that the school offers. They have opportunities to develop their leadership skills through the various roles available to them. They carry these roles out with pride. Pupils contribute to their community through charity fundraising and food bank initiatives. These experiences help pupils prepare for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that pupils are given opportunities to apply their extended writing skills more broadly across the curriculum to enhance and deepen their learning. • Leaders should continue their drive to ensure that opportunities for pupils to recap prior learning are consistently used well across the curriculum to further connect pupils' knowledge and skills.

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