Pupils at St Alban’s Catholic Voluntary Academy feel safe, valued and listened to, according to Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school, in Chaddesden, Derby, has been graded Good in its latest Catholic schools’ inspection, with Catholic Life and Mission and Collective Worship both judged Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “St Alban’s is a deeply nurturing Catholic school where pupils have a strong sense of belonging, recognising their shared mission to follow in Christ’s footsteps.”
The report said that pupils are friendly and enthusiastic members of the school family who live out Gospel values through their commitment to serving others. Many pupils described the school as ‘like home’ and ‘one big family’, and inspectors said pupils feel safe, valued and listened to.
Inspectors highlighted the school’s partnership with Cherish School in Kenya and its charitable fundraising, which help pupils to put their faith into action. They also praised the pride pupils take in their leadership roles, serving both the school and parish communities.
Staff were said to be deeply committed to the school’s Catholic mission. The report said: “One colleague commented: ‘At St Alban’s, we live out our faith; it is not just something we pay lip service to, but something that inspires all that we do’.”
Pastoral care was described as a significant strength. Inspectors said the school knows its families exceptionally well and provides highly effective support, particularly for the most vulnerable, including through its newly established ‘enhanced resource base’ and weekly mother and toddler sessions.
The strong partnership between the school, parish and governors was described as a notable strength. A parent commented: ‘I am incredibly grateful for how St Alban’s has helped my child grow in faith and fully embrace all aspects of Catholic life’.
Prayer and liturgy were said to be at the heart of school life, with pupils’ joyful and uplifting singing making a significant contribution to the prayerful atmosphere. Inspectors said that pupils become skilled leaders of prayer, confidently selecting scripture, symbols, music and opportunities for reflection that deepen their peers’ understanding of faith.
In religious education, the report said that pupils speak enthusiastically about their learning and respond positively to the increased challenge of the school’s new curriculum. One pupil said: ‘Religious education lessons are the best. I like learning about God, and we get to present our work really neatly’. Leadership of religious education was described as a significant strength of the school.
Headteacher Tammie McNamara was described as an inspirational Catholic leader whose unwavering commitment to the dignity of every person fosters a highly inclusive community.
Mrs McNamara said: “We are exceptionally proud of the outcome of our recent Catholic Schools Inspection. This report reflects the dedication, faith and commitment of our entire school community and our shared vision that places every child, including our most vulnerable, at the heart of all that we do.
“I am deeply grateful for the strong partnerships we enjoy with our St Alban’s parish, parents and wider community. Together, we create a school family rooted in faith, joy, love and service.
St Alban’s is a place where every pupil is valued, nurtured and encouraged to flourish. Through our mission of learning, loving and living together side by side with God, we strive to help our children grow academically, spiritually and personally, equipping them to make a positive difference in the world around them.”
Parents expressed high confidence in the school’s leadership. One said: ‘I wouldn’t trade this school for any other’.
The inspection, by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, took place on September 30th and October 1st 2026.
