Pupils enjoy attending Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, where ‘everyone looks after each other’ and leaders have high expectations, according to Ofsted inspectors.
Following an ungraded inspection in January 2023, Ofsted said that Saint Mary’s, in New Mills, continues to be a ‘Good’ school.
“Pupils enjoy attending this small, calm and productive school. They say that they feel safe and happy because everyone looks after each other. They try to follow the school’s ‘gospel values’. These values help pupils care for and respect each other. Pupils are polite and friendly towards staff and visitors,” inspectors said.
The report noted that parents and carers are supportive of the school and pupils are also very positive.
“One parent expressed the view of others when they said, ‘We love St Mary’s! It is a very welcoming, nurturing, family environment’. Pupils are also very positive about their school; they value it and like it. They know that there are trusted adults who will support them to learn and keep safe. Pupils appreciate the effort staff take to get to know them. Relationships are positive,” inspectors said.
Leaders have high expectations of what pupils should learn, the report said, and are passionate about providing an environment that prepares pupils to be ‘confident, happy citizens.”
“Staff are determined to give pupils lots of memorable experiences. They want pupils’ learning to be relevant and embedded in their community,” inspectors said.
Pupils were said to behave well in lessons and around the school and the report said that leaders have developed a very ambitious curriculum.
Inspectors said: “They (leaders) have ensured that the information pupils need to learn is well structured. This helps pupils to fill any gaps in their knowledge.
“Pupils are eager to learn. They take pride in their work and complete it to the best of their ability. Leaders have prioritised reading. They have found many creative ways to introduce pupils to different books and texts.”
Children in early years get off to a strong start and older ‘buddies’ help them to settle quickly into school, according to the report.
Inspectors said that leaders have systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The report said that there is a strong focus on pupils’ broader development and they noted that the school is well led.
Arrangements for safeguarding were also found to be effective.
Patricia Chapman, Headteacher at Saint Mary’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our Ofsted report and the fact that the inspectors clearly highlighted the high expectations of what pupils should learn and the memorable experiences that pupils gain through a very ambitious curriculum.
“Thank you to all of our amazing staff who consistently demonstrate how dedicated they are in ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential at Saint Mary’s.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Saint Mary’s on their overwhelmingly positive Ofsted report. It was lovely to read inspectors’ comments, which reflect what a wonderful school Saint Mary’s is. Staff, governors, pupils and everyone connected to the school community should be very proud.”
