St Anne's Catholic Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

St Anne’s fosters a strong sense of belonging from the very start, with participation in school life at the heart of its ethos for pupils and the wider community. Everyone is made to feel included, valued and supported. Leaders ensure that pupils receive the help they need to overcome any barriers that exist. Pupils generally attend well. They are happy and enthusiastic about coming to school. Pupils feel safe and know they have trusted adults they can turn to. They are confident that issues such as bullying are dealt with effectively. This means pupils feel secure and ready to learn. As a result, they typically achieve well and are prepared for their next steps. The school provides caring pastoral support that ensures pupils’ emotional and academic needs are met, enabling them to engage fully with learning. Some pupils benefit from bespoke provision in 'Annie’s place', which helps them to learn well and attend school regularly. Parents and carers value the support and care the school provides for families. Relationships across the school are warm and caring. Staff help pupils to understand and meet their high expectations. Pupils are friendly, look after each other and behave well. Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities, which leaders check to ensure they are accessible to all. These include clubs for choir, football, dance and gardening. These opportunities encourage pupils to try new things and develop their talents and interests. Through carefully designed experiences, pupils learn important life skills such as first aid and how to manage money. They learn about other cultures and lifestyles. This helps pupils to value difference and understand the importance of equality. Pupils develop an understanding of life beyond their locality and are well prepared for growing up in modern Britain. Pupils become rounded and confident individuals.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that they consistently have the information that they need to review the impact of strategies to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and make adjustments when necessary. • Leaders should provide training and support so that staff implement the writing curriculum consistently as intended and pupils develop the essential knowledge that they need. • Leaders should ensure that pupils are consistently supported to deepen their understanding, enabling more pupils to achieve the higher standard in national tests.

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