St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

This school's mission is to unlock all pupils' potential by 'sharing God's love and making a difference'. Pupils show kindness and respect to each other. They are keen to play a positive role in their community. Pupils live up to teachers' high expectations. Pupils' behaviour and conduct are exemplary. In lessons, they learn without distraction. Pupils have confidence that teachers will keep them safe. They say that bullying is rare. Pupils describe St Mary's as 'a family'. Pupils from all faiths, families and cultures are welcome and celebrated. Leaders provide rich and meaningful ways to develop pupils' personal development and character. St Mary's 'SPIRIT' is central to this. Equality ambassadors promote fairness. The 'circle of friends' helps their peers to make and then sustain friendships. Countless activities take place to raise funds for local and national charities. Pupils take on leadership roles, such as leading worship, chairing committees and acting as treasurer. They write to the headteacher if they have an idea or a concern. Pupils take pride in improving their school. They 'make a difference to themselves and others'.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is expertly planned. In a few subjects, this expert planning is not suitably adapted to meet the needs of all pupils. This means that some pupils do not acquire the knowledge and skills that they could. Leaders must make sure that the curriculum across all subjects is implemented securely and consistently to meet the needs of all learners.

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