St Mary's Catholic High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 June 2025

Pupils are proud to be part of this inclusive school. They enjoy coming to school because they appreciate being part of a close-knit and friendly community. Staff foster strong relationships with pupils. Pupils feel safe when they are in school and know who to speak to if they are worried or upset. Most pupils live up to the school's high expectations of behaviour. In lessons, pupils listen respectfully to their teachers and to each other. They move around the school between lessons calmly. Pupils dress smartly, maintaining the high standards of uniform required by the school. The school is ambitious for its pupils. Staff are determined that pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), gain the knowledge and skills that they need to thrive in their future lives. In many subjects, pupils achieve well. Pupils benefit from an extensive range of enrichment opportunities that develop their skills and self-confidence. Many pupils participate in a wide range of sporting activities. In addition, there are thriving music, art and drama groups and pupils enjoy opportunities to visit places of interest in this country and abroad.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, some teachers do not choose the most suitable strategies to help pupils, including some pupils who are disadvantaged, to understand key knowledge. As a result, these pupils have gaps in their knowledge. The school should ensure that teachers are fully equipped to deliver curriculum content consistently well so that all pupils know and remember important knowledge.

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