Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in January 2026.
The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “Leaders provide inspirational Catholic leadership, shaping a school community that is unmistakably rooted in the teachings and values of the Catholic faith.”
The report said that pupils are happy and confident, and show exemplary behaviour and attitudes.
“They (pupils) undertake a wide range of meaningful leadership opportunities and demonstrate remarkable independence in planning and leading prayer and liturgy,” inspectors said.
Inspectors described teaching assistants as highly skilled and deeply committed to supporting pupils’ pastoral needs and educational progress.
“They play a full and active role in the Catholic mission of the school, contributing meaningfully to the nurturing, inclusive ethos that enables all pupils to flourish spiritually, socially and academically,” the report said.
Teachers and the lay chaplain were praised for demonstrating strong commitment to the Catholic life and mission of the school.
Inspectors said that from the moment you enter the school grounds, it is clear that Saint Mary’s is a community that confidently lives and celebrates its Catholic identity.
They said: “Visitors are warmly welcomed into the school family, where the richness of faith is evident in both the physical environment and through the respectful and caring interactions of pupils and staff.”
The strong sense of community was highlighted and the report said: “As one parent commented ‘We feel we are part of a family and not a school’.
“Pastoral care is exemplary, which is shown by the commitment of staff to inclusiveness and to addressing the needs of their most vulnerable pupils. A parent commented ‘I know that I am leaving my children with staff who care about them and go above and beyond, every day, to support them to be the best they can be’.”
Leaders and governors promote and monitor the Catholic life and mission of St Mary’s with exceptional commitment, according to the report. Inspectors said they share a unified and determined vision.
Headteacher Patricia Chapman was said to “radiate faith” throughout the school community and set an inspiring vision.
Inspectors said: “Pupils articulate this impact with remarkable clarity, stating that their headteacher, ‘…has a really strong faith… she wants to give that as a gift to everyone’.”
Mrs Chapman said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful following St Mary’s successful Catholic Inspection. This achievement truly belongs to our whole school community—staff, pupils and parents—who each played a vital role in making such a positive outcome possible.
“St Mary’s is a welcoming and faith-filled community where our Catholic identity is clearly visible, not only in the environment of the school but also in the caring relationships that exist between pupils and staff. I see every day how our pupils understand and actively live out the school’s mission. They show kindness, respect and a strong awareness of Catholic social teaching in the way they treat one another and in their daily lives.
“I am particularly proud of the strong sense of family that exists at St Mary’s and of our deep commitment to pastoral care. The dedication of our leaders, governors and parish continues to nurture a vibrant Catholic life within the school. Together, we strive to create a community where faith, learning and a spirit of togetherness flourish side by side.”
