Bishop Patrick McKinney celebrated a Diocesan Jubilee Rodsley Pilgrimage Mass in honour of St Ralph Sherwin.
The Mass, at St Mary’s Church in Derby, gave student and staff representatives from across our Trust community the opportunity to join together in this Jubilee of Hope, and to remember our patron, Saint Ralph Sherwin.
It was a really joyful, if very hot Mass, with students joining Bishop Patrick and other clergy members in a procession carrying the relic of Saint Ralph Sherwin, the Jubilee Icon and various banners.
Some of our school choirs led us in music ably assisted by Greg Treloar, Christopher Davis and Sam Grimes.
Students from various schools led us in the liturgy of the word and with the prayers of intercession with many people commenting on how well they read. Bishop Patrick also congratulated the children and young people on how well they responded throughout the Mass.
We look forward to next year where we aim to invite more pilgrims from across the Diocese.
St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy is celebrating after being rated Good in all areas by Ofsted.
The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management were all graded Good following a two-day inspection in June 2025.
The report said that the school had made significant improvements since the last Ofsted inspection in 2023, when it was graded as Requires Improvement.
This is the latest boost for the Buxton school, coming just over six months after it was rated Good in all nine areas of its Catholic Schools Inspection in November 2024.
David Redfern, Headteacher, said: “We’re genuinely delighted with this Ofsted report. It reflects so much of what we value at St Thomas More — the strong relationships, the calm and focused atmosphere, and the incredible effort our pupils and staff put in every day.
“What stood out to me was how clearly the inspectors saw what we see all the time: pupils who are respectful, motivated and proud of their school, and staff who care deeply and go the extra mile to support them. The recognition of our ambitious curriculum, the positive behaviour, and the strong sense of community means a great deal to us.
“This outcome is something we can all be proud of. It’s a real tribute to the people who make this school what it is.”
Numerous areas were highlighted for praise by inspectors including pupils’ behaviour, the “well structured “curriculum, subject leadership and the extra-curricular offer.
Inspectors said that the school “fosters a positive climate of care” and that staff know pupils exceptionally well.
They said: “They (staff) create a calm and positive environment that helps pupils feel safe, happy and ready to learn. Everyone understands the school’s mission and pupils take pride in their aspiration: ‘not to have more, but to be more’.”
Pupils’ behaviour was a strong focus and the report said that the school “has a lovely learning atmosphere.”
“The behaviour policy and procedures work really well. Learning disruptions are rare. Pupils consistently follow well-established routines. When Year 11 pupils entered the examinations, for example, their behaviour was truly exemplary,” the report said.
Inspectors said that subject leadership was a developing strength and that skilled and knowledgeable staff have joined the school.
“They have significantly enhanced the quality of pupils’ education. In English for example, the curriculum is extremely ambitious. Pupils’ knowledge is systematically built over time. Pupils are developing robust subject knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for learning,” inspectors said.
Inspectors said that the development of literacy is a key focus and reading is an absolute priority.
“Pupils receive expert help if they find reading difficult. The library is an asset. It is a wonderful learning space. Staff are successfully opening pupils’ eyes to new authors and to the exciting world of books,” inspectors said.
Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities has “improved significantly” since the previous inspection and staff swiftly identify pupils’ needs and take every measure to address them, according to the report.
The personal, social and health curriculum is thoughtfully planned and consistently delivered, equipping pupils with essential knowledge to stay safe and healthy, the report said.
The report said that pupils engage in many clubs, trips and activities and their character is developed through opportunities in the school and wider community. School council members were described as a credit to the school.
Governors were said to have the appropriate knowledge and expertise and “tenacious” staff were praised for their tireless work in ensuring that all pupils are in school and learning. Arrangements for safeguarding were found to be effective.
“Staff show incredible commitment to the school and to the community. They recognise how much the school has improved and are extremely proud. They are well led and supported,” inspectors said.
The school is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and CEO Kevin Gritton said: “We are incredibly proud of what St Thomas More has achieved in such a short space of time and this is testament to the determination and dedication of the whole school community.
“The school is clearly on a journey of success, going from strength to strength, providing tremendous opportunities to so many young people in the community.
“Well done and congratulations to all of the school leaders, staff, pupils and the whole school community.”
Headteacher David Redfern and Deputy Headteacher Sarah Lancett celebrate with St Thomas More pupils.
A Year 7 pupil at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy has played a starring role in launching a major new strategy for children’s play — at the heart of the UK Parliament.
Oscar Beeston, 11, was one of the lead presenters at the official launch of It All Starts with Play!, Play England’s new 10-year strategy to restore a play-based childhood for all children by 2035.
Speaking from the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons, Oscar opened the event to a packed room of MPs, charity leaders and sector champions — declaring: “Order! Order! The Play Parliament is now in session!”
The launch event transformed Parliament into a symbolic playground, with a giant slide, springy elephant and accessible roundabout installed inside — capturing the strategy’s message that play belongs everywhere.
Oscar delivered a confident and powerful speech, sharing his views on why play matters and how more spaces are needed for children to play safely. Speaking afterwards, he said: “I talked about play and how important it is, and how not everyone has access to a good park. I’d practised a lot and used flash cards, so I felt ready. I was proud to be asked and I really enjoyed it.”
Oscar’s role reflected the wider involvement of pupils connected to the school. Fellow Saint John Houghton student Charlie Bell-Minogue welcomed guests and led play activities for younger children at the event. Charlie’s sister, Poppy — also a pupil at the school — wrote the foreword to the children’s version of the national strategy.
Eugene Minogue, Chief Executive of Play England and a parent at the school, said: “Oscar was front and centre and did a fantastic job. He brought personality, humour, and clarity — and he spoke with real authenticity. Parliament can be a tough gig (even for politicians), but he nailed it.”
Steve Brogan, Headteacher at Saint John Houghton CVA, said: “We are incredibly proud of Oscar, Charlie and Poppy for the way they’ve contributed to such an important national event. They represented our school community with confidence, kindness and leadership — showing how young people can shape national conversations and drive change.”
About the strategy
Play England’s new national strategy, It All Starts with Play!, sets out a 10-year strategy to re-norm play as a vital, everyday part of life — backed by a call for a new National Play Strategy and Play Sufficiency legislation to require councils to plan for, protect and promote play. It was launched in partnership with Tom Hayes MP, with support across all major political parties. https://www.playengland.org.uk/strategy
Oscar in London ahead of the launch
Oscar at the strategy launch with fellow host Amber Ogunsanya-William
A fun-filled Colour Run at St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton raised over £200 for charity.
Staff at the school showered pupils with brightly coloured powder as they ran around the school playground.
Every pupil at the school brought in £1 to take part and raised £230 which will go to the Thomas Theyer Foundation, a charity that was selected by the pupils.
Becky Rose, class teacher, organised the event as part of a series of initiatives during the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, which has the theme of Pilgrims of Hope.
In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Mrs Rose said: “We have been doing lots of things in school to link to the Jubilee Year.
“The Colour Run was to do with walking in solidarity but we decided to run in solidarity. Our School Council voted to support the Thomas Theyer Foundation, it’s a local charity so it’s very visible for them.
“We also held a tiny tea party and invited parents. We had a cake sale and raised £75 for CAFOD to buy chickens for vulnerable families overseas. As part of our reconciliation the children wrote forgiveness pledges and we burnt them. We also had a Feast Day and created lanterns and went singing in each other’s classes
“We had a celebration for Eid and children from other religions wore their own clothes and pupils also made cards for a lady who was in a care home and was turning 100.”
Pupil Harry, nine, who is a member of the School Council, said: “We chose Thomas Theyer because we see the charity raising money around Buxton and because Thomas was a young person like us.”
Pupil Eliza, six, said: ” I liked the colourful paint and running around the playground, it was funny to see the teachers all covered in paint too.”
Holy Rosary Catholic Voluntary Academy is celebrating after being graded Good in all areas by Ofsted.
Inspectors visited the school, in Burton, in May 2025 and said that the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all good. The school had previously been graded as Requires Improvement.
“The school’s passion and determination to build ‘loving hearts and strong minds’ is lived and breathed at Holy Rosary. Pupils and staff are happy and proud to attend such a special place. Pupils know they will be well cared for, and they are.
“The school has high expectations for all pupils, and the vast majority achieve the ambitions set for them. Pupils attend well and arrive on time ready to be the best version of themselves,” the report said.
The school’s values were praised in the report and inspectors said that as soon as children start school, they learn that there are high expectations for how they are expected to behave through the ‘Holy Rosary Way’.
“Pupils rise to these expectations. Their understanding of, and commitment to, the shared values help the school to be a calm and purposeful place,” the report said.
Every pupil feels valued and supported, according to the report, and pupils say that everyone in the Holy Rosary family is treated fairly and equally.
A wide range of opportunities outside the classroom is on offer to pupils, said the inspectors.
“The school’s ambition for its pupils extends well beyond the classroom. Many carefully thought-out activities, experiences and opportunities are available for pupils to engage with. These help them to develop into confident, articulate young people who can contribute positively to their local community,” they said.
Well-considered curriculum changes are built on the principle of ‘inclusion by design’, Ofsted said. “This has ensured that the most important things for pupils to learn are clearly identified,” inspectors said.
Reading was said to be “front and centre” of the curriculum and the school works effectively with parents and carers to help them to support their child to read at home, the report said.
Ofsted said that the school identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) very effectively.
The report said: “Staff adapt learning where necessary to meet individual needs. Consequently, pupils with SEND follow an inclusive curriculum alongside their peers and achieve well.”
The early years provision was praised and inspectors said that children get off to a good start, are well supported and settle quickly at school.
Inspectors said: “The curriculum prioritises their language and communication skills. Many children successfully learn to control their feelings and emotions. They develop positive relationships with each other and staff. Children are happy and secure because routines are well established and expectations are high.”
The school’s approach to managing behaviour was highlighted and the report said that staff model the respect and tolerance they expect pupils to show each other and that pupils are proud to recognise and celebrate differences.
Pupils’ personal development was described as a priority and inspectors said that it was carefully integrated throughout the curriculum.
“Pastoral support is strong, and there is a wide range of after-school clubs, such as football, choir and crochet, that pupils benefit from. Pupils support the local community through their roles as ‘Messengers’ and ‘Earth Friends’” the report said.
Marie Dyche, Headteacher, said: “I would like to express how proud we are of our team, community and most especially our children.
“This report represents the work of our whole team, and rightly acknowledges that: ‘Pupils and staff are happy and proud to attend such a special place’.
“The details given within the report offer a real reflection on the journey of school improvement we have all been on as a school community since our last inspection in 2023 and the work we are continuing to strengthen.”
Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy has high expectations of what pupils can achieve and the curriculum is aspirational for all, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors said that the school, in Kirk Hallam, had taken effective action to maintain standards identified at the last inspection, which saw the school rated Good in 2019.
They said: “Pupils are happy at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy. They told inspectors that they are proud to be part of this school community. Pupils enjoy learning and value the positive relationships that they have with staff. Pupils are kept safe in the school and know who to turn to if they are worried.”
The report said that the school has high expectations for what pupils, described as “polite and respectful”, can achieve.
“The curriculum is aspirational for all. It has been designed to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to society. Pupils work hard and achieve well,” inspectors said.
An array of leadership opportunities for pupils are on offer, according to the report, and these develop confidence and resilience.
“Character development is a priority for the school. Memorable experiences, including a variety of trips and visits, enhance the curriculum and strengthen the sense of community in the school,” inspectors said.
The curriculum was described as “broad and ambitious” and the report said that the school has established effective systems for identifying when pupils need extra help to access the curriculum.
“Staff have collaborated to develop teaching strategies that support all pupils to learn and remember important knowledge. Teachers explain concepts clearly. They check carefully that pupils are secure in their understanding before moving on,” inspectors said.
The report said that the school prepares pupils well for the next stages of education and future lives.
“Pupils learn how to lead healthy lives and maintain positive relationships. They are all well informed about keeping themselves safe, including online. All pupils benefit from detailed, personalised advice about their next steps and potential careers,” inspectors said.
Praise was given to school leaders, supported by the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, who have “worked well to maintain the high standards across all areas of the school’s provision.”
Steve Brogan, Headteacher, said: “We were delighted to be visited by Ofsted and to have had six years of work since our previous inspection recognised. In 2024, the school achieved its highest Progress 8 score since new measures were introduced, and we are going from strength to strength as a school.
“As a staff body, we have a mantra that we want to be ‘better today than we were yesterday’ and this focus on improvement was recognised throughout the inspection. Our school is blessed with caring, hardworking students, supportive and engaged parents and talented and dedicated staff and governors and it is wonderful that this has been recognised in our report.”
The Priory Catholic Voluntary Academy has high expectations for all pupils and the curriculum is well established and ambitious, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors visited the school, in Eastwood, in March 2025 and said that effective action had been taken to maintain standards at the previous inspection, which saw a Good rating awarded in 2019.
They said: “Pupils are happy at this school. Most pupils think everyone is kind. They say this makes it easier to make new friends. Pupils are safe.”
According to the report, pupils who need help to catch up with their learning get appropriate support and staff work together well to help all pupils do their best.
The vast range of clubs provided by the school was highlighted by inspectors who said: “They (pupils) talk with great enthusiasm about the trips they have been on. Pupils enjoy taking responsibility through their leadership roles. The school provides an extensive range of ways to support pupils with their mental health.”
The report described the curriculum as “ambitious” and said it helped pupils to make links between their own experiences and the wider world.
“The school has identified the broad knowledge that pupils should learn in each year group. Close consideration is given to pupils’ needs. For instance, the recent focus on teaching vocabulary helps pupils who speak English as an additional language and pupils with special needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do well.”
Inspectors said that learning in lessons was well structured, and that staff use their strong subject knowledge to model tasks so that pupils develop their understanding.
The school’s early years provision was praised and the report said that children demonstrated an excellent understanding of the school’s routines and expectations.
“They play together cooperatively and enjoy the outdoor provision. They like solving problems, for example, thinking about how to make ‘dens’,” inspectors said.
Children with special educational needs are well supported, the report said. “Pupils with SEND who find it difficult to manage their emotions benefit from bespoke interventions and nurture support.”
The school’s values of ‘we care’ are woven into all aspects of school life, inspectors said. “Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning in their lessons. They share achievements proudly with others. The new behaviour policy helps pupils to reflect on their choices.”
The report said that pupils’ best interests are at the heart of the school’s decision making .
Anthony Harrison, Headteacher, said: “This report is testimony to the hard work and creativity of children who follow the lead of their parents and school staff.
“Our children achieve well because of our strong partnership with parents, as we work together in a thriving community where children flourish as they live out the school’s values and mission in their everyday lives.
“No better example of the strong relationship the school has with our parents can be found in the work of the PTA, which has been instrumental in raising funds for a brand new trim trail and countryside path, which circles the half a mile perimeter of our beautiful school grounds.
“Our pupils lie at the centre of this partnership and the inspector agreed that the high attendance levels, and the large number of children who stay after school to undertake clubs and activities, shows that they are happy and thoroughly enjoy coming to this school.”
Children at the start of the new countryside path at the school.
Pupils enjoying a walk on the new countryside path.
Pupils trying out the new trim trail at the school.
An overgrown garden and allotment at a Derby primary school have been transformed by volunteers from Rolls-Royce who also uncovered a piece of history.
Fourteen R-R employees spent the day at St Alban’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Chaddesden, Derby, as part of the Derby company’s outreach programme.
Jobs completed by the volunteers included edging around raised beds, clearing and preparing planters and tidying and edging around the orchard.
They also dug out and prepared a pre-formed pond base, discovering a silver spoon dating back to the reign of King George V in the process.
Among the team was ex-St Alban’s pupil Mark Davis, who was returning to the school for the first time in 30 years.
He said: “It’s very familiar and it’s really nice to come back and for such a good cause. We’ve done two or three different projects now and when this one came up I thought the least I can do is come back. The school has got a great community feel to it.”
Tim Brogan, Headteacher at St Alban’s, thanked the volunteers for their hard work.
He said: “We were proud to welcome a fantastic team of volunteers from Rolls-Royce to support the development of our school’s outdoor learning environment.
“In total, they generously contributed 90 hours of volunteer time to help transform our garden and allotment space. Their professionalism, teamwork, and friendly attitude were exceptional, and they truly listened to the needs of the school throughout the day.
“The team brought energy, collaboration, and humour to every task. One of the highlights of the day was welcoming back a volunteer who had attended St Alban’s in the 1980s. He brought along photos from his time at the school, sparking great conversations and memories.
“In a surprising twist, while digging the pond area, the team even discovered a silver spoon dating back to the reign of King George V – a small but fascinating piece of history now linked to our grounds!
“We are incredibly grateful to Rolls-Royce for their commitment to community, sustainability, and education. Their contribution has made a lasting difference to our school environment and enriched the quality of outdoor learning for all our pupils.”
Sian Skerritt, programme executive from R-R, helped to lead the team of volunteers.
She said: “We usually do something like this once a year. It allows us to spend time together off the job and we are helping to improve the local community. Almost all of us work at desks on concepts so doing something practical in the community and seeing the results is lovely.”
Pictured right are R-R volunteers, the historic spoon, after the revamp, before the revamp, Mark Davis, R-R volunteer and former St Alban’s pupil.
Pupils at St Anne’s and St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academies celebrated VE Day in style.
Children and staff at St Anne’s in Buxton held a special themed street party.
Pupils dressed in clothing from the era and sang a selection of wartime songs to bring the past to life. Parents and carers were asked to donate wartime inspired food including scones, jam tarts, pork pies and sausage rolls.
Stephanie Clarke, Assistant Headteacher at St Anne’s, said: “To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we hosted a special event in our school playground that brought together children, parents, and grandparents for an afternoon filled with reflection and togetherness.
“The children gave a heartfelt performance of wartime songs they had been learning in class, and the celebration ended with everyone proudly singing the National Anthem.
“It was a heartwarming sight to see different generations united in remembering such an important moment in history. Many grandparents spoke of how the event stirred memories of their own early years, and we were truly moved by the warm and thoughtful comments shared throughout the afternoon.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all who joined us and contributed to making the day so memorable.”
Class 3 pupils at St Mary’s in New Mills visited Watford House to celebrate VE Day with the care home residents and veterans. They sang songs, waved flags, talked to the residents and even had an ice-cream.
Pupil Tobias said: “We went to Watford House and sang songs from WW2. I enjoyed making people happy.”
Pupil Alfie said “I enjoyed hearing about the veteran’s childhood and how happy they were growing up -it made me smile.”
Other pupils said they loved making their VE Day posters and creating flags to share with the residents.
A Headteacher walked through Derby dressed as a chicken after his pupils fulfilled a fundraising pledge and raised over £1,300 for charity.
Graham Lobb walked 3.6 miles from his school, St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy in Alvaston, to St Mary’s Church in Bridge Gate, Derby, with colleague, Nathalie Woodings, who was dressed as an egg.
Mr Lobb set his pupils a challenge to raise over £1,000 for CAFOD and the money will be used to buy chickens for families in Kenya, to help them earn a living.
The final total raised was £1,300 and Mr Lobb had to fulfil his pledge to walk through the streets of Derby dressed as a chicken.
He said: “I am really proud of the way that the school came together and completed my challenges to both complete the Big Walk for CAFOD and to raise a fantastic amount of money for this great cause.
“I enjoyed doing the walk with Miss Woodings – and was really happy to do it following all the effort that the children and families made.
“It really did show that – while St John Fisher might be quite a small school – it has the largest of hearts. I wonder what we will do next year!”
Each class at St John Fisher was set the target of walking 211 miles – the distance between 9 jubilee churches in the Diocese of Nottingham – plus an extra 200 miles across the whole school to bring the grand total to 1,411 miles – the distance from the school to the Vatican in Rome.
Pupil Riley said: “I thought it was really fun; I wasn’t sure if Mr Lobb and Miss Woodings were going to do it. I’ll be leaving school this year but my brother is still here so hopefully he can tell me what they do next year.”
“The school has never done anything like this before. Mr Lobb is a really fun Headteacher and the best one I’ve had so far,” pupil Lily said.
Pupil Adriel said: “I wasn’t sure if we would raise enough money so that Mr Lobb would do it. I thought we might get to £700. I think Mr Lobb and Miss Woodings doing this shows how much they care.”
The fundraising is part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025, themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ which aims to foster a sense of hope and community.
Mr Lobb, Miss Woodings, Will Cruddace and John Grattidge (both from CAFOD).
